A Collection of in English - the Theodore Presser Company
A Collection of in English - the Theodore Presser Company
A Collection of in English - the Theodore Presser Company
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A <strong>Collection</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
OPERAS<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>English</strong><br />
from <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
and Our Affiliated Publishers<br />
<strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
588 North Gulph Road<br />
K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Prussia, PA 19406 USA<br />
www.presser.com
A <strong>Collection</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
OPERAS<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>English</strong><br />
2011 NEWS…<br />
Paul Salerni<br />
Recently signed: two delightful one-act operas by Paul Salerni. (Can be presented<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r, with cast doubl<strong>in</strong>g possibilities).<br />
Dana Gioia’s libretto to Tony Caruso’s F<strong>in</strong>al Broadcast is about a classical music radio<br />
station on <strong>the</strong> eve <strong>of</strong> a change <strong>of</strong> format to easy listen<strong>in</strong>g, mandated by <strong>the</strong> stations new<br />
management. The Life and Love <strong>of</strong> Joe Coogan, from an episode <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Dick Van Dyke<br />
Show by Carl Re<strong>in</strong>er, has been adapted for <strong>the</strong> opera stage by librettist Kate Light, with all<br />
<strong>the</strong> humor <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> TV show and much <strong>of</strong> Re<strong>in</strong>er’s orig<strong>in</strong>al script as well as new material to transform it to<br />
<strong>the</strong> opera medium.<br />
Ricky Ian Gordon<br />
Rappahannock County<br />
Premier<strong>in</strong>g April 12th on <strong>the</strong> 150th anniversary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Civil War, this new<br />
music <strong>the</strong>ater piece by Gordon and librettist Mark Campbell takes us on a journey<br />
through events as experienced by different fictional characters <strong>in</strong> one corner <strong>of</strong><br />
Virg<strong>in</strong>ia. Co-commissioned by <strong>the</strong> Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Arts Festival, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Opera, <strong>the</strong> Modl<strong>in</strong><br />
Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts at <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Richmond and <strong>the</strong> Texas Perform<strong>in</strong>g Arts at <strong>the</strong><br />
University <strong>of</strong> Texas <strong>in</strong> Aust<strong>in</strong>. Premiere at Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Arts Festival <strong>in</strong> Norfolk, followed by<br />
performances <strong>in</strong> Richmond and Aust<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> September, 2011.<br />
see our features on YouTube<br />
www.youtube.com/<strong>the</strong>odorepresser (click on “Opera” playlist)<br />
• Thomas Pasatieri Spotlight on <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
• Ricky Ian Gordon Spotlight on <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
• Paul Salerni trailer features on The Life and Love <strong>of</strong> Joe Coogan and Tony Caruso’s F<strong>in</strong>al Broadcast<br />
• Dan Welcher The Yellow Wallpaper preview<br />
• as well as <strong>in</strong>terviews, opera excerpts and complete operas<br />
<strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
588 North Gulph Road<br />
K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Prussia, PA 19406<br />
tel: (610) 592-1222 fax: (610) 592-1229<br />
promotion@presser.com www.presser.com<br />
— ii —<br />
<strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong> • 1588 North Gulph Road, K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Prussia, PA 19406 USA • www.presser.com
OPERA<br />
<strong>English</strong> Language<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Catalogues <strong>of</strong> <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Index <strong>of</strong> <strong>English</strong> Language Operas<br />
Index <strong>of</strong> Operas listed by composer......... iii<br />
Index <strong>of</strong> Chamber Operas......................... v<br />
Index <strong>of</strong> Children’s Operas....................... v<br />
Index <strong>of</strong> Monodramas............................... v<br />
Index <strong>of</strong> Operas without Chorus.............. vi<br />
Operas listed by composer....................... 1-44<br />
Index by Composer<br />
Aitken, Hugh<br />
Bach, P.D.Q.<br />
Baksa, Robert<br />
Barab, Seymour<br />
Biscardi, Chester<br />
Blank, Allen<br />
Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, Marc<br />
Bolcom, William<br />
FABLES<br />
FELIPE<br />
THE ABDUCTION OF FIGARO<br />
HANSEL AND GRETEL AND TED AND ALICE<br />
A LITTLE NIGHTMARE MUSIC<br />
ŒDIPUS TEX<br />
THE STONED GUEST<br />
RED CARNATIONS<br />
AMERICAN PUNCHLINES<br />
ANDROCLES AND THE LION<br />
THE BETROTHAL OF BECKY BROWN<br />
CINDERELLA<br />
THE CODE OF THE WEST<br />
JEWISH HUMOR FROM OY TO VEY<br />
THE PIED PIPER<br />
SAY CHEESE<br />
SCENES IN WONDERLAND<br />
SLEEPING BEAUTY<br />
TIGHT-ROPE<br />
ARIA DA CAPO<br />
IDIOTS FIRST (“Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud”)<br />
(see also Lehrman)<br />
SACCO AND VANZETTI<br />
CASINO PARADISE<br />
LUCREZIA<br />
MC TEAGUE<br />
MEDUSA<br />
A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE<br />
A WEDDING<br />
Bond, Victoria MRS. PRESIDENT<br />
Bowles, Paul THE WIND REMAINS<br />
Brian, Havergal AGAMEMNON<br />
THE CENCI<br />
FAUST<br />
THE TIGERS<br />
TURANDOT<br />
Brisman, Heskel WHIRLIGIG<br />
Burrell, Diana THE ALBATROSS<br />
Caldwell, Mary Elizabeth<br />
THE NIGHT OF THE STAR<br />
Caltabiano, Ronald MARRYING THE HANGMAN<br />
Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham, Arthur OSTRICH FEATHERS<br />
De Cormier, Robert THE JOLLY BEGGARS<br />
Dorff, Daniel STONE SOUP<br />
Downard, Robert MARTIN AVDEICH: A CHRISTMAS TALE<br />
Drew, James MYSTERIUM<br />
Eak<strong>in</strong>, Charles THE BOX<br />
F<strong>in</strong>nissy, Michael VAUDEVILLE<br />
Fitelberg, Jerzy HENNY PENNY<br />
Fuchs, Kenneth A BETROTHAL<br />
THE GREAT NEBULA IN ORION<br />
Fuchs, Peter Paul SERENADE AT NOON<br />
Getty, Gordon PLUMP JACK<br />
Goldste<strong>in</strong>, Lee THE FAN<br />
Gordon, Ricky Ian GREEN SNEAKERS<br />
RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY<br />
Gorney, Jay GEOGRAFOOF<br />
Gustafson, Dwight SIMEON<br />
Fully L<strong>in</strong>ked Index - Click any title to go to more <strong>in</strong>formation
Fully L<strong>in</strong>ked Index - Click any title to go to more <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
Hagemann, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia THE BIRD’S CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />
A CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />
THE PIED PIPER<br />
Hailstork, Adolphus JOSHUA’S BOOTS<br />
PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR:<br />
COMMON GROUND<br />
Hamilton, Ia<strong>in</strong> AGAMEMNON<br />
ANNA KARENINA<br />
THE CATILINE CONSPIRACY<br />
CLEOPATRA<br />
LANCELOT<br />
LONDON’S FAIR<br />
ON THE EVE<br />
PHARSALIA<br />
RALEIGH’S DREAM<br />
THE ROYAL HUNT OF THE SUN<br />
TAMBURLAINE<br />
THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH<br />
Handel, George Frederic<br />
JULIUS CAESAR<br />
Harnick, Sheldon FRUSTRATION<br />
Haydn, Franz Joseph LA CANTERINA (The Songstress)<br />
Jason, Daniel KRIS KRINGLE RIDES AGAIN<br />
Kanitz, Ernest PERPETUAL<br />
Kim, Earl<br />
FOOTFALLS<br />
Kohs, Ellis<br />
AMERIKA<br />
Kupferman, Meyer THE CURIOUS FERN<br />
IN A GARDEN<br />
VOICES FOR A MIRROR<br />
Laderman, Ezra GALILEO GALILEI<br />
GOODBYE TO THE CLOWN<br />
Lee, Thomas Oboe THE INMAN DIARIES<br />
Lehar, Franz THE MERRY WIDOW<br />
Lehrman, Leonard KARLA (“Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud”)<br />
SACCO AND VANZETTI<br />
SUPPOSE A WEDDING<br />
(“Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud”)<br />
(see also Blitzste<strong>in</strong>)<br />
Liebermann, Lowell MISS LONELYHEARTS<br />
THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY<br />
Loder, Marion CINDERELLA IN FLOWERLAND<br />
Lombardi, Luca PROSPERO<br />
Mayer, William BRIEF CANDLE<br />
THE EVE OF ST. AGNES<br />
Moss, Lawrence THE BRUTE<br />
THE QUEEN AND THE REBELS<br />
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus<br />
THE IMPRESARIO<br />
Paisiello, Giovanni KING THEODORE IN VENICE<br />
Pasatieri, Thomas BEFORE BREAKFAST<br />
BLACK WIDOW<br />
CALVARY<br />
THE DAUGHTER OF CAPULET<br />
LA DIVINA<br />
FRAU MARGOT<br />
GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!<br />
THE HOTEL CASABLANCA<br />
INES DE CASTRO<br />
Persichetti, V<strong>in</strong>cent<br />
Ran, Shulamit<br />
Ratner, Leonard<br />
Richter, Ada<br />
Rochberg, George<br />
Ross<strong>in</strong>i, Giacomo<br />
Roussel, Albert<br />
Roxburgh, Edw<strong>in</strong><br />
Roy, Klaus George<br />
Salerni, Paul<br />
Sandow, Gregory<br />
Scarlatti, Alessandro<br />
Schuman, William<br />
Sessions, Roger<br />
Shepard, Thomas Z.<br />
Simons, Netty<br />
Smith, Leland<br />
Sokol<strong>of</strong>f, Noel<br />
Taylor, Raynor<br />
Thorne, Francis<br />
Vernon, Ashley<br />
Walden, Stanley<br />
Weisgall, Hugo<br />
LADY MACBETH<br />
MARIA ELENA<br />
PADREVIA<br />
THE PENITENTES<br />
THE SEAGULL<br />
SIGNOR DELUSO<br />
THE TRIAL OF MARY LINCOLN<br />
THREE SISTERS<br />
WASHINGTON SQUARE<br />
THE WOMEN<br />
THE SIBYL<br />
BETWEEN TWO WORLDS (The Dyybuk)<br />
THE NECKLACE<br />
MERRY CHRISTMAS, MISTER SNOWMAN!<br />
THE CONFIDENCE MAN<br />
THE TURK IN ITALY<br />
AUNT CAROLINE’S WILL<br />
ABELARD<br />
STERLINGMAN, OR<br />
GENEROSITY REWARDED<br />
THE LIFE AND LOVE OF JOE COOGAN<br />
TONY CARUSO’S FINAL BROADCAST<br />
A CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />
THE RICHEST GIRL IN THE WORLD<br />
FINDS HAPPINESS<br />
THE TRIUMPH OF HONOR<br />
A QUESTION OF TASTE<br />
MONTEZUMA<br />
THE TRIAL OF LUCULLUS<br />
A QUESTION OF FAITH<br />
(“Love <strong>in</strong> Two Countries”)<br />
THAT PIG OF A MOLETTE<br />
(“Love <strong>in</strong> Two Countries”)<br />
THE BELLWITCH OF TENNESSEE<br />
SANTA CLAUS, A MORALITY<br />
THE FRANKLIN’S TALE<br />
THE PARDONER’S TALE<br />
BUXOM JOAN<br />
MARIO AND THE MAGICIAN<br />
THE BARBER OF NEW YORK<br />
CUPID AND PSYCHE<br />
GRAND SLAM<br />
THE TRIUMPH OF PUNCH<br />
DR. FAUSTUS LIGHTS THE LIGHTS<br />
KAFKA: LETTER TO MY FATHER<br />
(Liebster Vater)<br />
ATHALIAH<br />
ESTHER<br />
THE GARDENS OF ADONIS<br />
JENNY, OR THE HUNDRED NIGHTS<br />
NINE RIVERS FROM JORDAN<br />
PURGATORY<br />
SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH<br />
OF AN AUTHOR<br />
THE STRONGER<br />
THE TENOR<br />
WILL YOU MARRY ME?<br />
— iv —<br />
<strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong> • 1588 North Gulph Road, K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Prussia, PA 19406 USA • www.presser.com
Fully L<strong>in</strong>ked Index - Click any title to go to more <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
Welcher, Dan<br />
Yeamans, L.E.<br />
Chamber Operas<br />
DELLA’S GIFT<br />
“A Star Over Fifth Avenue”)<br />
HOLY NIGHT<br />
(“A Star Over Fifth Avenue”)<br />
THE YELLOW WALLPAPER<br />
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD<br />
Aitken, Hugh FABLES<br />
Bach, P.D.Q. HANSEL AND GRETEL AND TED AND ALICE<br />
A LITTLE NIGHTMARE MUSIC<br />
THE STONED GUEST<br />
Baksa, Robert RED CARNATIONS<br />
Barab, Seymour AMERICAN PUNCHLINES<br />
ANDROCLES AND THE LION<br />
THE BETROTHAL OF BECKY BROWN<br />
JEWISH HUMOR FROM OY TO VEY<br />
SAY CHEESE<br />
SCENES IN WONDERLAND<br />
Blank, Allen ARIA DA CAPO<br />
Bolcom, William CASINO PARADISE<br />
LUCREZIA<br />
MEDUSA<br />
Brisman, Heskel WHIRLIGIG<br />
Caltabiano, Ronald MARRYING THE HANGMAN<br />
De Cormier, Robert THE JOLLY BEGGARS<br />
Drew, James MYSTERIUM<br />
Eak<strong>in</strong>, Charles THE BOX<br />
F<strong>in</strong>nissy, Michael VAUDEVILLE<br />
Fuchs, Kenneth A BETROTHAL<br />
THE GREAT NEBULA IN ORION<br />
Gordon, Ricky Ian GREEN SNEAKERS<br />
RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY<br />
Hamilton, Ia<strong>in</strong> CLEOPATRA<br />
ON THE EVE<br />
PHARSALIA<br />
Handel, George Frederic<br />
JULIUS CAESAR<br />
Harnick, Sheldon FRUSTRATION<br />
Haydn, Franz Joseph LA CANTERINA (The Songstress)<br />
Kanitz, Ernst PERPETUAL<br />
Kim, Earl<br />
FOOTFALLS<br />
Lee, Thomas Oboe THE INMAN DIARIES<br />
Mayer, William BRIEF CANDLE<br />
Moss, Lawrence THE BRUTE<br />
Pasatieri, Thomas BEFORE BREAKFAST<br />
CALVARY<br />
THE DAUGHTER OF CAPULET<br />
LA DIVINA<br />
THE FAMILY ROOM<br />
THE HOTEL CASABLANCA<br />
LADY MACBETH<br />
PADREVIA<br />
SIGNOR DELUSO<br />
WASHINGTON SQUARE<br />
THE WOMEN<br />
Ratner, Leonard<br />
Roy, Klaus George<br />
Salerni, Paul<br />
Sandow, Gregory<br />
Scarlatti, Alessandro<br />
Schuman, William<br />
Sokol<strong>of</strong>f, Noel<br />
Taylor, Raynor<br />
Walden, Stanley<br />
Weisgall, Hugo<br />
Welcher, Dan<br />
Children’s Operas<br />
THE NECKLACE<br />
STERLINGMAN, OR GENEROSITY<br />
REWARDED<br />
THE LIFE AND LOVE OF JOE COOGAN<br />
TONY CARUSO’S FINAL BROADCAST<br />
THE RICHEST GIRL IN THE WORLD<br />
FINDS HAPPINESS<br />
THE TRIUMPH OF HONOR<br />
A QUESTION OF TASTE<br />
THE FRANKLIN’S TALE<br />
THE PARDONER’S TALE<br />
BUXOM JOAN<br />
DR. FAUSTUS LIGHTS THE LIGHTS<br />
KAFKA: LETTER TO MY FATHER<br />
(Liebster Vater)<br />
PURGATORY<br />
THE STRONGER<br />
WILL YOU MARRY ME?<br />
DELLA’S GIFT<br />
THE YELLOW WALLPAPER<br />
Barab, Seymour ANDROCLES AND THE LION<br />
CINDERELLA<br />
THE CODE OF THE WEST<br />
(suitable for High School)<br />
THE PIED PIPER<br />
SLEEPING BEAUTY<br />
Caldwell, Mary Elizabeth<br />
THE NIGHT OF THE STAR<br />
Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham, Arthur OSTRICH FEATHERS<br />
Dorff, Daniel STONE SOUP<br />
Fitelberg, Jerzy HENNY PENNY<br />
Gorney, Jay GEOGRAFOOF<br />
Hagemann, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia THE BIRD’S CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />
A CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />
PIED PIPER<br />
Hailstork, Adolphus JOSHUA’S BOOTS<br />
Jason, Daniel KRIS KRINGLE RIDES AGAIN<br />
Loder, Marion CINDERELLA IN FLOWERLAND<br />
Richter, Ada MERRY CHRISTMAS, MISTER SNOWMAN!<br />
Sandow, Gregory A CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />
Yeamans, L.E. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD<br />
Monodramas<br />
Bolcom, William<br />
Caltabiano, Ronald<br />
Gordon, Ricky Ian<br />
Hamilton, Ia<strong>in</strong><br />
Pasatieri, Thomas<br />
Weisgall, Hugo<br />
MEDUSA<br />
MARRYING THE HANGMAN<br />
GREEN SNEAKERS<br />
CLEOPATRA<br />
BEFORE BREAKFAST<br />
THE DAUGHTER OF CAPULET<br />
LADY MACBETH<br />
THE STRONGER<br />
— —<br />
<strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong> • 1588 North Gulph Road, K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Prussia, PA 19406 USA • www.presser.com
Fully L<strong>in</strong>ked Index - Click any title to go to more <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
Operas without Chorus<br />
Bach, P.D.Q. HANSEL AND GRETEL AND TED AND ALICE<br />
A LITTLE NIGHTMARE MUSIC<br />
THE STONED GUEST<br />
Baksa, Robert RED CARNATIONS<br />
Barab, Seymour AMERICAN PUNCHLINES<br />
ANDROCLES AND THE LION<br />
JEWISH HUMOR FROM OY TO VEY<br />
SAY CHEESE<br />
SCENES IN WONDERLAND<br />
Blank, Allen ARIA DA CAPO<br />
Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, Marc SACCO AND VANZETTI<br />
Bolcom, William CASINO PARADISE<br />
LUCREZIA<br />
MEDUSA<br />
A WEDDING<br />
Bowles, Paul THE WIND REMAINS<br />
Brian, Havergal THE CENCI<br />
TURANDOT<br />
Brisman, Heskel WHIRLIGIG<br />
Caltabiano, Ronald MARRYING THE HANGMAN<br />
Eak<strong>in</strong>, Charles THE BOX<br />
F<strong>in</strong>nissy, Michael VAUDEVILLE<br />
Fuchs, Kenneth A BETROTHAL<br />
THE GREAT NEBULA IN ORION<br />
Fuchs, Peter Paul SERENADE AT NOON<br />
Getty, Gordon PLUMP JACK<br />
Goldste<strong>in</strong>, Lee THE FAN<br />
Gordon, Ricky Ian GREEN SNEAKERS<br />
RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY<br />
Hailstork, Adolphus PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR:<br />
COMMON GROUND<br />
Hamilton, Ia<strong>in</strong> CLEOPATRA<br />
LANCELOT<br />
PHARSALIA<br />
ON THE EVE<br />
THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH<br />
Handel, George Frederic<br />
JULIUS CAESAR<br />
Harnick, Sheldon FRUSTRATION<br />
Haydn, Franz Joseph LA CANTERINA (The Songstress)<br />
Kanitz, Ernst PERPETUAL<br />
Kim, Earl<br />
FOOTFALLS<br />
Kohs, Ellis B. AMERIKA<br />
Kupferman, Meyer THE CUROUS FERN<br />
IN A GARDEN<br />
VOICES FOR A MIRROR<br />
Laderman, Ezra GOODBYE TO THE CLOWN<br />
Lee, Thomas Oboe THE INMAN DIARIES<br />
Lehrman, Leonard KARLA<br />
SUPPOSE A WEDDING<br />
Liebermann, Lowell THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY<br />
Moss, Lawrence THE BRUTE<br />
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus<br />
THE IMPRESARIO<br />
Pasatieri, Thomas BEFORE BREAKFAST<br />
BLACK WIDOW<br />
CALVARY<br />
LA DIVINA<br />
THE FAMILY ROOM<br />
FRAU MARGOT<br />
THE HOTEL CASABLANCA<br />
LADY MACBETH<br />
PADREVIA<br />
THE SEAGULL (reduced version)<br />
SIGNOR DELUSO<br />
THREE SISTERS<br />
THE TRIAL OF MARY LINCOLN<br />
WASHINGTON SQUARE<br />
THE WOMEN<br />
Ratner, Leonard THE NECKLACE<br />
Roy, Klaus George STERLINGMAN, OR GENEROSITY<br />
REWARDED<br />
Salerni, Paul THE LIFE AND LOVE OF JOE COOGAN<br />
TONY CARUSO’S FINAL BROADCAST<br />
Sandow, Gregory THE RICHEST GIRL IN THE WORLD<br />
FINDS HAPPINESS<br />
Scarlatti, Alessandro THE TRIUMPH OF HONOR<br />
Schuman, William A QUESTION OF TASTE<br />
Sessions, Roger MONTEZUMA<br />
Shepard, Thomas Z. A QUESTION OF FAITH<br />
THAT PIG OF A MOLETTE<br />
Sokol<strong>of</strong>f, Noel THE FRANKLIN’S TALE<br />
THE PARDONER’S TALE<br />
Taylor, Raynor BUXOM JOAN<br />
Walden, Stanley DR. FAUSTUS LIGHTS THE LIGHTS<br />
KAFKA: LETTER TO MY FATHER<br />
Weisgall, Hugo THE GARDENS OF ADONIS<br />
PURGATORY<br />
THE STRONGER<br />
THE TENOR<br />
WILL YOU MARRY ME?<br />
Welcher, Dan DELLA’S GIFT<br />
HOLY NIGHT<br />
THE YELLOW WALLPAPER<br />
— vi —<br />
<strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong> • 1588 North Gulph Road, K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Prussia, PA 19406 USA • www.presser.com
ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Aitken, Hugh (b. 1924)<br />
Fables<br />
Diversion for four to thirty s<strong>in</strong>gers and n<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>struments, based on ten <strong>of</strong> La Fonta<strong>in</strong>e’s fables<br />
Freely translated and extended by <strong>the</strong> composer.<br />
Publisher: Elkan-Vogel Inc.<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Includes:<br />
The Cicada and <strong>the</strong> Ant<br />
The Oak and <strong>the</strong> Reed<br />
The Wolf and <strong>the</strong> Lamb<br />
The Pilgrims and <strong>the</strong> Oyster<br />
The Companions <strong>of</strong> Odysseus<br />
Cast: Soprano, 2 Tenor, Bass (m<strong>in</strong>imum)<br />
Dur: 90’<br />
Instr: Flute, 2 Oboes, Bassoon, Str<strong>in</strong>g Quartet<br />
Felipe<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Libretto by Laura Tapia, adapted from Cervantes’ “El Celoso Estremeño”<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
The Raven and <strong>the</strong> Fox<br />
The Meet<strong>in</strong>g Held by <strong>the</strong> Rats<br />
The Cat and <strong>the</strong> Two Sparrows<br />
The Animals Sick with <strong>the</strong> Plague<br />
Death and <strong>the</strong> Woodcutter<br />
In 16th-century Spa<strong>in</strong>, a light-hearted attempt at seduction has serious and unforeseen consequences as<br />
Loaysa attempts to w<strong>in</strong> Leonora from her sugar-daddy Felipe.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal Roles: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass-Baritone, Bass<br />
Support<strong>in</strong>g Roles: Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />
Bit Roles: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano<br />
Supernumeraries: Leonora’s parents, a priest & notary<br />
- necessary silent roles; patrons <strong>in</strong> tavern – optional<br />
Dance Requirements: Except for Felipe and Loaysa’s 3 friends, all dance <strong>in</strong> Act two,<br />
though no one need appear very skilled.<br />
full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
3 3 3 2 - 4 2 3 1; Timp. 2Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
Bach, P.D.Q. (1807-1742?)<br />
The Abduction <strong>of</strong> Figaro<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Libretto by Peter Schickele<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Mozartian (…or almost-Mozartian) characters <strong>in</strong>term<strong>in</strong>gle <strong>in</strong> a rollick<strong>in</strong>g plot as Figaro and his wife,<br />
Susanna Susannadanna, become <strong>in</strong>extricably <strong>in</strong>volved with o<strong>the</strong>rs such as Pecadillo, Donald Giovanni,<br />
Schlepporello, Papa Geno, not forgett<strong>in</strong>g an enchant<strong>in</strong>g Corpse de Ballet.<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Countertenor, Tenor, 4 Baritone, Bass-Baritone,<br />
2 Speak<strong>in</strong>g (1 = Baritone s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g range, but not a tra<strong>in</strong>ed s<strong>in</strong>ger)<br />
Mixed Chorus:<br />
Servants to <strong>the</strong> Pasha and Harem Women (Act II);<br />
Woodcutters, Huntsmen and Huntswomen (Act III)<br />
Corpse de Ballet: The Pasha’s Dancers; Wood Sprites;<br />
Opera <strong>Company</strong> Manager (speak<strong>in</strong>g); Narrator (voice only)<br />
Dur: 150’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 3 0; Timp. 2Perc. Ukelele/Pedal Steel Guitar/El.Guitar. Pno. or Hpscd. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Hansel and Gretel and Ted and Alice<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> One Unnatural Act<br />
Libretto by Peter Schickele<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Why Bob and Carol do not appear <strong>in</strong> this opera is only one <strong>of</strong> many <strong>in</strong>explicable conundra; this is one<br />
<strong>of</strong> P.D.Q. Bach’s most <strong>in</strong>comprehensible operas, and <strong>the</strong> character <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Monk is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most<br />
<strong>in</strong>comprehensible characters <strong>in</strong> it, and <strong>the</strong> aria sung by <strong>the</strong> Monk is <strong>in</strong>comprehensible <strong>in</strong> several different<br />
languages.<br />
Cast: Barga<strong>in</strong> Counter Tenor; 2 Female S<strong>in</strong>gers, 6 Male S<strong>in</strong>gers<br />
Dur: 20’<br />
Instr: Calliope/Beri Beritone, Hpscd. Pno. Water glasses<br />
A Little Nightmare Music<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> One Irrevocable Act<br />
Libretto by Peter Schickele<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Based on an actual dream that P.D.Q. Bach had on <strong>the</strong> night <strong>of</strong> December 4, 1791, <strong>the</strong> night that<br />
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died and Antonio Salieri didn’t.<br />
Cast: Tenor, Baritone, 2 non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles (1 preferably a viol<strong>in</strong>ist)<br />
Dur: 20’<br />
Instr: Str<strong>in</strong>gs - to <strong>the</strong> music <strong>of</strong> E<strong>in</strong>e Kle<strong>in</strong>e Nachtmusik.<br />
Conducted by first viol<strong>in</strong>ist from part; no full orchestral score.<br />
Specially marked str<strong>in</strong>g parts on rental.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41085<br />
Oedipus Tex<br />
Dramatic Oratorio or Opera <strong>in</strong> One Cathartic Act<br />
Libretto by Peter Schickele<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Once aga<strong>in</strong>, we venture <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> unchartered territory <strong>of</strong> a “heret<strong>of</strong>ore deservedly unknown oratorio by<br />
<strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>uscule master <strong>of</strong> We<strong>in</strong>-am-Rhe<strong>in</strong>,” P.D.Q. Bach [accord<strong>in</strong>g to Telarc]. The Oedipus complex is alive<br />
and well, and dabbl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Country & Western music.<br />
Cast: SATB Soloists, SATB Chorus<br />
Dur: 30’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Kbd. Harmonica (or Harmonium) Str.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 412-410720<br />
The Stoned Guest<br />
Half-Act Opera<br />
Libretto by Peter Schickele<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
With characters such as Don Octave, <strong>the</strong> Commendatoreador and Carmen Ghia, <strong>the</strong> names seem<br />
strangely familiar, yet confused ... All does fall <strong>in</strong>to place, however, but we would hate to spoil <strong>the</strong><br />
surprise by giv<strong>in</strong>g away <strong>the</strong> plot!<br />
Cast: Mezzan<strong>in</strong>e-Soprano, Off-Coloratura Soprano, Barga<strong>in</strong> Counter Tenor<br />
Dur: 35’<br />
Instr: 1 1 0 1 - 1 1 1 0; Hpscd. Str.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41055<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Baksa, Robert (b. 1938)<br />
Red Carnations<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer from <strong>the</strong> play by Glenn Hughes<br />
Publisher: Composers Library Editions<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
A boy and girl meet <strong>in</strong> disguise at a costume party, and arrange a date: he will wear a red carnation.<br />
However, at <strong>the</strong> appo<strong>in</strong>ted place, she f<strong>in</strong>ds not only <strong>the</strong> boy, but also an older man, both wear<strong>in</strong>g red<br />
carnations. The girl’s apparent confusion leads to a lively <strong>in</strong>teraction between <strong>the</strong> three characters.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />
Dur: 35’<br />
Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 0 0 0 0; Pno. Str. (3Vln. Vla. 2Vcl. Cb.)<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 492-00003<br />
Barab, Seymour (b. 1921)<br />
American Punchl<strong>in</strong>es<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A comedy <strong>of</strong> one-l<strong>in</strong>ers. Ba-da-boom!<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
Androcles and <strong>the</strong> Lion<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Children’s Opera<br />
A classical tale attributed to Aesop. Escaped slave Androcles saves a lion <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> forest from great pa<strong>in</strong> by<br />
extract<strong>in</strong>g a thorn from his paw. Recaptured by soldiers, Androcles is condemned to be thrown to <strong>the</strong> lions<br />
<strong>in</strong> front <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Emperor; but <strong>in</strong>stead <strong>of</strong> attack<strong>in</strong>g him, <strong>the</strong> beast <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> arena, <strong>the</strong> same that Androcles had<br />
saved, approached him <strong>in</strong> a docile way and stroked him with his paw. Amazed, <strong>the</strong> Emperor granted<br />
freedom both to Androcles and to <strong>the</strong> lion.<br />
Cast: Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Narrator, Stage Manager (mime)<br />
Dur: 50’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
The Betrothal <strong>of</strong> Becky Brown<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Becky is born to Nasty Brown, a notorious bandit, but grows up to reject dishonesty. Nasty betroths her<br />
to a fellow outlaw <strong>in</strong> hopes <strong>of</strong> salvag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> family honor. Becky <strong>in</strong>tends to marry a respectable citizen,<br />
but discovers just <strong>in</strong> time that <strong>the</strong> ethics <strong>of</strong> respectability can be worse than those <strong>of</strong> crim<strong>in</strong>ality.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
C<strong>in</strong>derella<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass; Chorus<br />
Dur: 30’<br />
Instr: 1 - a cappella version (Piano/Vocal Score available for rehearsal. If a cappella is not<br />
possible, it may be accompanied by str<strong>in</strong>g quartet, duplicat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> vocal parts)<br />
2- Chamber Orchestra (composer will orchestrate to order)<br />
A Fairy Tale Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, after <strong>the</strong> Bro<strong>the</strong>rs Grimm<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
A rollick<strong>in</strong>g — and rock<strong>in</strong>g — <strong>in</strong>terpretation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> famous tale, with plenty <strong>of</strong> enjoyment for older<br />
audiences!<br />
Children’s Opera<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, Soprano or Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 6 Baritone<br />
Chorus: Soldiers, Children, Royal Entourage, Skeletons, Townspeople [boys or girls], Pages<br />
Dur: 120’<br />
Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 2 1 1 0; Perc. Str. or Piano<br />
The Code <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> West<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 6 Baritone/Bass; 2 spoken roles; Chorus<br />
Piano<br />
Jewish Humor from Oy to Vey<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
The Borscht Belt staged: a dramatization <strong>of</strong> Jewish jokes.<br />
Children’s Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
The Pied Piper<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Children’s Opera<br />
Cast: Soprano, (2) Mezzo-Soprano (roles may be doubled), Baritone,<br />
Children (Rats, Children, Policeman)<br />
Dur: 50’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Say Cheese<br />
Comic opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Jimmy, a disillusioned photographer, prepares to take his life, but is <strong>in</strong>terrupted by a distraught customer<br />
who threatens suicide unless he has his picture taken. Enter a third man also on <strong>the</strong> verge <strong>of</strong> suicide<br />
because <strong>of</strong> unrequited love. Jimmy’s girlfriend now has three unh<strong>in</strong>ged men on her hands, and uses her<br />
wits to save <strong>the</strong> day.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />
Dur: 40’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
Scenes <strong>in</strong> Wonderland<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Alice’s adventures <strong>in</strong> Wonderland.<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Narrator<br />
Dur: 40’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
Sleep<strong>in</strong>g Beauty<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Children’s Opera<br />
The wicked fairy’s spell is no match for true love and a handsome pr<strong>in</strong>ce.<br />
Cast: 2 Sopranos, Soprano or Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 6 Baritones<br />
Chorus: Soldiers, Children, Royal Entourage, Skeletons, Townspeople [Boys or Girls], Pages<br />
Dur: 120’<br />
Instr: Piano or 1 1 2 1 - 2 1 1 0; Perc. Str.<br />
Biscardi, Chester (b. 1948)<br />
Tight-Rope<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> N<strong>in</strong>e Scenes<br />
Libretto by Henry Butler<br />
Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />
A search for identity and <strong>the</strong> risk <strong>in</strong>volved not only <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> search, but <strong>in</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g true to <strong>the</strong> discovery. “I<br />
must live with my many selves,” s<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>the</strong> Actor, who has spent <strong>the</strong> opera search<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> essence <strong>of</strong><br />
poet Lu<strong>the</strong>r Dane, <strong>the</strong> man whose character he must portray <strong>in</strong> a film. “We walk a tight-rope,” declares<br />
<strong>the</strong> Actor to Lu<strong>the</strong>r Dane <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> open<strong>in</strong>g scene. “One false step, one dishonest word, and we fall - we<br />
deserve to fall!” Dane has arranged his “death,” but lives on; he has returned to help <strong>the</strong> Actor discover<br />
who he truly is.<br />
Cast: Soprano (dramatic mezzo), Soprano (coloratura), Soprano (mezzo or dramatic),<br />
Soprano (lyric mezzo), 2 Tenor, Baritone, Bass-Baritone, Bass;<br />
Non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles: Director, Film Crew, Party Guests, etc.<br />
Dur: 90’<br />
Instr: 1(Picc.) 0(E.H.) 1(B.Cl.) 1, Sop.Sax.(Ten. Sax.); 2 1 1 0;<br />
3Perc. Pno. Hp. Str. (at least 33344; reduced version 11111)<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Blank, Allen (b. 1925)<br />
Aria da Capo<br />
Chamber opera on a play by Edna St. V<strong>in</strong>cent Millay<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A satire deal<strong>in</strong>g with some <strong>of</strong> weaknesses <strong>of</strong> human nature <strong>in</strong> a comedic way, through <strong>the</strong> characters <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> cynical Pierrot, <strong>the</strong> ditsy Columb<strong>in</strong>e, and <strong>the</strong> naively <strong>in</strong>nocent Corydon and Thyrsis, overseen by <strong>the</strong><br />
manipulative Cothurnus, Masque <strong>of</strong> Tragedy.<br />
Cast: Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />
Dur: 50’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Str.<br />
Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, Marc (1905-1964)<br />
Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud<br />
One-act operas to be performed toge<strong>the</strong>r as “Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud” or separately<br />
(“Idiots First,” by Blitzste<strong>in</strong> and “Karla” by Leonard Lehrman)<br />
Conceived by Marc Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, completed by Leonard Lehrman<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Dur:<br />
full even<strong>in</strong>g when performed toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Idiots First<br />
One act opera<br />
Conceived by Marc Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, completed by Leonard Lehrman, based on <strong>the</strong> story by Bernard Malamud<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
A Jewish Everyman fable. A dy<strong>in</strong>g old man tries to provide for his learn<strong>in</strong>g-disabled adult son, and is<br />
taunted by an Angel <strong>of</strong> Death. Ultimately, however, even <strong>the</strong> Angel <strong>of</strong> Death takes pity.<br />
Cast: Soprano, 3 Tenor, Baritone, 2 Baritone, Bass, 4 Actor (2 Silent), Silent Actors(<strong>Company</strong>)<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: 2(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2(B.Cl.) 2 - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Syn. Pno. 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb.<br />
Sacco and Vanzetti<br />
An opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Words and music begun by Marc Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, completed by Leonard Lehrman<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
An exam<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> notorious trial <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1920s.<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Cast: Large Cast; or cast <strong>of</strong> 10 with doubl<strong>in</strong>gs:<br />
2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 3 Tenor, 3 Baritone, Bass<br />
Dur: Full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Instr: 2(d.Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2(1d.Ef, A.Sax., 2d.Ten.Sax.) 2(d.Cbsn.) - 2 2 2(d.Tu.) 0;<br />
3Perc. Pno.(d.Cel.) Accordion(opt.) Str.<br />
Perc: Vibraphone, Xylophone, Marimba, Chimes, Crash Cymbals, Crotales,<br />
5 Temple Blocks, 3 Timpani, 4 Tomtoms, Snare Drum, Bass Crum, High Hat,<br />
Suspended Cymbal, 2 Triangles, 2 Gongs, Tamtam, Wood Block, Tambour<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
Claves, Whip, Ratchet<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Bolcom, William (b. 1938)<br />
Cas<strong>in</strong>o Paradise (1991, rev. 2004)<br />
Musical <strong>the</strong>ater opera for 13 s<strong>in</strong>gers and 7 <strong>in</strong>strumentalists<br />
Book and lyrics by Arnold We<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong><br />
Orchestration by Bruce Coughl<strong>in</strong><br />
Publisher: E.B. Marks<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without Chorus<br />
A dark comedy about a wealthy entrepreneur who builds a gambl<strong>in</strong>g cas<strong>in</strong>o <strong>in</strong> a seaside resort, wreak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mayhem not only <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> town, but also with<strong>in</strong> his own family. The mogul lives by money and greed, and<br />
his son <strong>in</strong>itially has strong moral objections to his fa<strong>the</strong>r’s way <strong>of</strong> life. However, <strong>the</strong>y both experience<br />
dramatic character changes…<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
9 s<strong>in</strong>gers, small chorus<br />
full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
3 Reeds(Alto Sax./Fl./Picc./Cl., Cl./Sop.Sax./Ob., Bari.Sax./B.Cl.) 1 Brass(Tbn/Tba),<br />
Piano & Keyboard (2 Players) 1 Perc.( Drums/Perc.)<br />
(Cabaret version for 3 or 4 s<strong>in</strong>gers and 2 keyboard players also available)<br />
Lucrezia<br />
Comic Opera<br />
Libretto by Mark Campbell, based on “La Mandragola” by Machiavelli<br />
Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ally, an opera hero<strong>in</strong>e who is not neurotic about sex! Machiavelli’s tale <strong>of</strong> fraud for personal ga<strong>in</strong> is<br />
re-told by Mark Campbell from <strong>the</strong> woman’s po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> view, and Lucrezia becomes a hero<strong>in</strong>e who is very<br />
much <strong>in</strong> control <strong>of</strong> her dest<strong>in</strong>y. Deceptions may abound, but it is all to everyone’s satisfaction <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> end.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />
Dur: 45’<br />
Instr: 2 Pianos<br />
McTeague<br />
An opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by Robert Altman and Arnold We<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong>, after <strong>the</strong> novel by Frank Norris<br />
Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />
Set <strong>in</strong> turn-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-century San Francisco and Death Valley, a tale <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lust for gold and <strong>the</strong> corruption <strong>of</strong><br />
character which accompanies that vice.<br />
Medusa<br />
Cast: Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal Roles: Soprano, Dramatic Mezzo-Soprano, Heroic Tenor, Baritone<br />
O<strong>the</strong>rs: Boy Soprano (10-12 years old), Mezzo-Soprano, High Baritone or Tenor,<br />
Baritone (buffo), Middle Baritone, Subcontrabass; Quartet (2 Tenor, Baritone, Bass);<br />
Mixed ensemble, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g small parts (ca.16 people)<br />
Dur: 150’<br />
Instr: 3(Picc.) 3(E.H.) 3(EfCl. A-Cl. B.Cl.) 3(Cbsn.) - 4 3(Flugelhn. Picc.) 3(B.Tbn.) 1;<br />
Timp. 3Perc. Hp. Sampler Str.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score (Hal Leonard)<br />
Monodrama for Dramatic Soprano and Str<strong>in</strong>g Orchestra<br />
Libretto by Arnold We<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong><br />
Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />
A real tour de force for <strong>the</strong> soprano, who portrays not only <strong>the</strong> monster from Greek mythology, but also<br />
<strong>the</strong> beautiful maiden that she once was.<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Monodrama<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Cast: Soprano<br />
Dur: 25’<br />
Instr: Str<strong>in</strong>g Orchestra<br />
A View from <strong>the</strong> Bridge<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by Arthur Miller and Arnold We<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong>, after <strong>the</strong> play by Arthur Miller<br />
Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />
Longshoreman Eddie takes two illegal immigrants <strong>in</strong>to his home, but when one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m announces<br />
that he <strong>in</strong>tends to marry Eddie’s pretty teenaged niece, it leads to a clash <strong>of</strong> characters and all <strong>the</strong> dire<br />
emotions and drama that are <strong>the</strong> stuff <strong>of</strong> opera, as jealousies explode <strong>in</strong>to betrayal and violence.<br />
A Wedd<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Cast: Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal Roles: 2 Soprano, Tenor, 2 Bass-Baritone<br />
O<strong>the</strong>rs: 3 Tenor, Baritone, Bass-Baritone, Chorus<br />
Dur: 124’<br />
Instr: 3 3 3 3 - 4 3 3 1; Perc. Hp. Kbd. Str.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score (Hal Leonard)<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by Arnold We<strong>in</strong>ste<strong>in</strong> and Robert Altman, based on <strong>the</strong> Robert Altman/ John Consid<strong>in</strong>e<br />
20th-Century Fox film “A Wedd<strong>in</strong>g”<br />
Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />
An operatic comedy <strong>of</strong> manners. Politics, social façades and affairs provide <strong>the</strong> fuel for a hilarious and<br />
fast-mov<strong>in</strong>g farce, as <strong>the</strong> bride and groom attempt to survive <strong>the</strong>ir wedd<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong> spite <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> antics <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
relatives.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
5 Soprano, 1 Soprano or Mezzo, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 3 Tenor, 4 Baritone, 1 Bass<br />
full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
3 3 3 3 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 3Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />
Onstage Band: Ten.Sax. Elec.Kbd. Elec.Gtr. Elec.Bass Trap Set<br />
(can be also <strong>in</strong> orchestra pit or <strong>of</strong>fstage)<br />
Reduced version: 2(d.Picc.) 2(d.E.H.) 2(1d.Ef, 2d.B.Cl.) 2 – 2(1d.Picc. & Ct.) 2 2(B.Tbn.) 0;<br />
2Perc. Kbd, Str.<br />
Onstage Band: Ten.Sax. Elec.Kbd. Elec.Gtr. Elec.Bass Trap Set<br />
(can be also <strong>in</strong> orchestra pit or <strong>of</strong>fstage)<br />
Bond, Victoria (b. 1945)<br />
Mrs. President<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by Hilary Bell<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
In 1872, Victoria Woodhull ran for President aga<strong>in</strong>st Ulysses S. Grant on <strong>the</strong> Equal Rights Party ticket. Her<br />
platform <strong>in</strong>cluded women’s suffrage and many o<strong>the</strong>r much-needed social reforms, but also <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>flammatory issue <strong>of</strong> free love and equality between <strong>the</strong> sexes, which caused her to be branded “Mrs.<br />
Satan.” Today, nearly 130 years later, most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> issues considered controversial <strong>the</strong>n are still hot topics.<br />
Cast: 3 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone; SATB Chorus<br />
Dur: 120’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 2 2 1 0; Timp. 2Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Bowles, Paul (1910-1999)<br />
The W<strong>in</strong>d Rema<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Text by Federico Garcia Lorca<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Cast: Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor; Off-stage: Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor Voice<br />
Dur: 20’<br />
Instr: 1 1(E.H.) 1 1 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
Brian, Havergal (1876-1972)<br />
Agamemnon<br />
Music drama <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />
Agamemnon, return<strong>in</strong>g from war, is killed by his wife Clytemnestra, who does away with Cassandra,<br />
Agamemnon’s concub<strong>in</strong>e, for good measure. Brian dispatches this Greek tragedy with drama, concision<br />
and power.<br />
Cast: 6 s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles + SATB chorus<br />
Dur: 39’<br />
Instr: 4(d.Picc.) 3(E.H.) 3(B.Cl.) 4(d.Cbsn.) – 4 3 3 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
The Cenci<br />
Music drama <strong>in</strong> eight scenes<br />
Text The Cenci by Percy Bysshe Shelly, abridged by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />
Cast: Soprano, Alto, 4 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 2 Bass; Guests at <strong>the</strong> feast, Judges at <strong>the</strong> court<br />
Dur: 100’<br />
Instr: 4(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2 B.Cl. 4(Cbsn.) - 4 4 3 1; 2Timp. Perc. 2Hp. Str.<br />
Faust<br />
Music drama <strong>in</strong> a prologue and four acts<br />
Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />
Fashioned out <strong>of</strong> Part 1 <strong>of</strong> Goe<strong>the</strong>’s Faust without subvert<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> author’s dramatic <strong>in</strong>tentions, a masterful<br />
libretto from Goe<strong>the</strong>’s text. Despite his scholarly success, Faust is overwhelmed by ennui. He decides to<br />
<strong>in</strong>voke <strong>the</strong> Devil. When <strong>the</strong> Devil’s representative Mephistopheles appears, Faust makes a pact with him:<br />
that Mephistopheles will serve Faust br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g him knowledge and magic powers but, at <strong>the</strong> height <strong>of</strong><br />
Faust’s happ<strong>in</strong>ess, will seize his soul for eternal damnation. Mephistopheles serves Faust <strong>in</strong> several ways.<br />
He helps Faust seduce an <strong>in</strong>nocent and beautiful girl, Gretchen, who is destroyed. However, Gretchen’s<br />
naivety saves her and she ascends to Heaven while Faust is damned for ever.<br />
Cast: 12 s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles + SATB chorus<br />
Dur: 150’<br />
Instr: 4(d.Picc.) 3(E.H.) 4(Ef, B.Cl.) 4(d.Cbsn.) – 6 4 3 1 Euph.; Timp. Perc. Cel. 2Hp. Org. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
The Tigers<br />
Burlesque opera <strong>in</strong> prologue and three acts<br />
Text by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />
Turandot<br />
Cast: Prologue & Act I: 4 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 3 Alto, 6 Tenor, 14 Baritone, 6 Bass<br />
Act II & Act III: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 5 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 4 Bass<br />
The Tigers (TTBB chorus) Crowds, etc. (SATB choruses)<br />
Dur: 100’<br />
Instr: 3(2Picc.) 3(E.H.) 3(Ef, B.Cl.) 3(Cbsn.) - 6 4 Bugle 4 Euph. 5; 3Timp. Perc. 2Hp. Organ, Str.<br />
Offstage: (Act III, scene 2): 2Picc. 4 Fl. 3Side Drum, 1Bass Drum<br />
Music drama <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> same Gozzi story familiar from Pucc<strong>in</strong>i’s opera, but positioned ra<strong>the</strong>r differently as “a tragicomic<br />
fairytale”; it re<strong>in</strong>states Gozzi’s commedia dell’arte characters, ensur<strong>in</strong>g a greater degree <strong>of</strong> humour<br />
which contrasts with <strong>the</strong> potential tragedy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> plot. This Turandot is light, ironic and fantastical,<br />
and conta<strong>in</strong>s a large amount <strong>of</strong> music for orchestra alone, or where <strong>the</strong> contribution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> voices is fairly<br />
m<strong>in</strong>imal.<br />
Cast: 11 s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles, plus mime and 8 m<strong>in</strong>or s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles<br />
Dur: 150’<br />
Instr: 3(2d.Picc.) 3(E.H.) 4(Ef, B.Cl.) 3(d.Cbsn.) – 4 4 3 1; Timp. Perc. Cel. 2Hp. Str.<br />
Brisman, Heskel (b. 1923)<br />
Whirligig<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Jerome Greenfield, after <strong>the</strong> story by O. Henry<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A poor couple <strong>in</strong> rural Tennessee visit <strong>the</strong> Justice <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Peace to get a divorce. As <strong>the</strong>y struggle through<br />
<strong>the</strong> proceed<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>the</strong>y realize that <strong>the</strong>ir affection for each o<strong>the</strong>r outweighs <strong>the</strong>ir arguments, and end up<br />
re-marry<strong>in</strong>g each o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />
Dur: 35’<br />
Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 2 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str. (3Vln. Vcl. Cb.)<br />
Burrell, Diana (b. 1948)<br />
The Albatross<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, after a story by Susan Hill<br />
Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, 4 Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass, 4 Children, 4 Fishermen<br />
Dur: 90’<br />
Instr: 2(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 2(Basset Horn) 1(Cbsn.) – 3 0 0 0; 3Perc. Str. (m<strong>in</strong>. 4 4 3 2 1)<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 511-02208<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Caldwell, Mary Elizabeth (1909-2003)<br />
The Night <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Star<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act for <strong>the</strong> Christmas Season<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Children’s Opera<br />
The night <strong>of</strong> Christ’s birth comes to life through <strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong> a young shepherd boy, whose adventures<br />
teach us a touch<strong>in</strong>g lesson <strong>of</strong> k<strong>in</strong>dness, giv<strong>in</strong>g, and faith.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr:<br />
2 Soprano (young boy & angel), Mezzo-Soprano (young adult), Tenor, 2 Baritone,<br />
Bass-Baritone, 2 silent roles (children), 1 speak<strong>in</strong>g role (Angel Gabriel),<br />
<strong>of</strong>f-stage Chorus SSAA (angels)<br />
Large Orchestra:1(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2 1 - 2 1 0 0; Timp. Perc. Cel. Hp. Str.<br />
Reduced Orchestra: Pno. Cel. Org. Hp. Timp. Perc.<br />
Caltabiano, Ronald (b. 1959)<br />
Marry<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Hangman<br />
Chamber Opera for Mezzo-Soprano and 7 Players<br />
Text by Margaret Atwood<br />
Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Monodrama<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
In eighteenth-century Québec, <strong>the</strong> only way for someone under sentence <strong>of</strong> death to escape hang<strong>in</strong>g was,<br />
for a man, to become a hangman, or, for a woman, to marry one. In 1738, Françoise Laurent, sentenced<br />
to hang for steal<strong>in</strong>g, persuaded Jean Corolère, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> next cell, to apply for <strong>the</strong> vacant post <strong>of</strong> executioner,<br />
and also to marry her…<br />
Cast: Mezzo-Soprano<br />
Dur: 45’<br />
Instr: Fl.(Picc./Alto Fl.) Cl.(B.Cl.) Perc. Pno. Vln. Vcl.<br />
Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham, Arthur (1928-1997)<br />
Ostrich Fea<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
A Musical Play <strong>in</strong> Two Acts for Children and <strong>the</strong>ir Parents<br />
Libretto by Barbara Brenner<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Children’s Opera<br />
A hunter shoots a teenage ostrich and takes her tail fea<strong>the</strong>rs as a trophy. Legend has it that <strong>the</strong> fea<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
must be returned or she will die. The ostrich’s friends rally to her aid, capture <strong>the</strong> hunter, and retrieve <strong>the</strong><br />
fea<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
Cast: 10 solo characters (<strong>in</strong>cl. 5 female), chorus <strong>of</strong> animals<br />
Dur: 80’<br />
Instr: Flexible <strong>in</strong>strumentation, but percussion is essential.<br />
Suggested combo: Piano, Drums, Vibes, Electric Bass, Guitar,<br />
Str<strong>in</strong>gs (1 each, or small complements for all but contrabass - 1 only)<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
De Cormier, Robert<br />
The Jolly Beggars<br />
Dramatic Cantata<br />
Poetry by Robert Burns<br />
Publisher: E. Henry David Music Publishers<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Burns’ cantata str<strong>in</strong>gs toge<strong>the</strong>r texts <strong>in</strong> Scots and <strong>English</strong>. In <strong>the</strong> folk-song tradition, <strong>the</strong> songs deal with<br />
<strong>the</strong> joys and griefs <strong>of</strong> love and war.<br />
Cast: SATB Chorus, SATB Solo Quartet, SATB solos<br />
Dur: 37’<br />
Instr: Fl.(Picc.) Ob.(E.H.) Cl. Bsn. Perc. Vln. Vla. Vcl.<br />
Dorff, Daniel (b. 1956)<br />
Stone Soup<br />
Operatic fable <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Frank McQuilk<strong>in</strong><br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Children’s Opera<br />
The traditional tale, teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> benefits <strong>of</strong> shar<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>the</strong> perils <strong>of</strong> deception, designed as a highly<br />
portable production, with simple costumes, easy props, and no special sets required.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, 3 x SATB (or for chamber productions, <strong>the</strong>se roles<br />
can be taken by <strong>the</strong> 4 pr<strong>in</strong>cipals), 4 non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g roles (2 boys, 2 girls)<br />
Dur: 35’<br />
Instr: Piano accompaniment, or 1 1 1 1 – 0 1 1 0; 2Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />
Downard, Robert (b. 1946)<br />
Mart<strong>in</strong> Avdeich: A Christmas Tale<br />
An opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Based on a story by Tolstoy, this opera chronicles a special Christmas <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> an embittered<br />
shoemaker who, through a series <strong>of</strong> seem<strong>in</strong>gly ord<strong>in</strong>ary visitations, learns <strong>the</strong> true mean<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> holiday<br />
and rediscovers his own sense <strong>of</strong> compassion.<br />
Cast: Boy Alto, Coloratura Soprano, Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass;<br />
Chorus <strong>of</strong> Pilgrims (4-part men) and Tavern-Comrades (SATB)<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: 1 1(E.H.) 0 0 – 1 0 0 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />
Drew, James (b. 1929)<br />
Mysterium<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Cast: Soprano, Baritone or Tenor, Chorus <strong>of</strong> 8 low male voices<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: 1 2 1 0 - 0 2 2 1; 4Perc. Pno. Cel. 1Vcl. 1Cb.<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Eak<strong>in</strong>, Charles<br />
The Box<br />
Comic Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, Contralto, Tenor, Bass<br />
Dur: 30’<br />
Instr: 1 0 1 1 - 0 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Vln. Cb.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>nissy, Michael (b. 1946)<br />
Vaudeville<br />
Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Cast: 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, 2 Mimes<br />
Dur: 38’<br />
Instr: Cl. Bsn. Flugelhorn Tbn.; Perc. Vl. Cbs.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 576-00151<br />
Fitelberg, Jerzy (1903-1951)<br />
Henny Penny<br />
Children’s opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />
Children’s Opera<br />
Cast: Smallest child (boy or girl), 2 girls, 2 boys, 1 older boy,1 speak<strong>in</strong>g role (Narrator)<br />
Dur: 30’<br />
Instr: 1 Pno. Perc. or 2 Pno. Perc.<br />
Fuchs, Kenneth (b. 1956)<br />
A Betrothal<br />
A chamber musical<br />
Libretto by Lanford Wilson<br />
Publisher: Piedmont Music<br />
Chamber opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Two horticulturalists, Ms. J.H. Joslyn (middle-aged, attractive) and Mr. Kermit Wasserman (also middleaged,<br />
neat, almost delicate), meet by chance at a flower show. Through <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir charm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
encounter <strong>the</strong>y discover that <strong>the</strong>ir prize irises may be <strong>the</strong> perfect mates for each o<strong>the</strong>r. Two very different<br />
people move from an uneasy chance meet<strong>in</strong>g to an easy alliance.<br />
Cast: Mezzo-soprano, Baritone<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: Fl. Cl. Pno./Synth. Vln. Vcl.<br />
or<br />
Pno.red.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
The Great Nebula <strong>in</strong> Orion<br />
A chamber musical<br />
Libretto by Lanford Wilson<br />
Publisher: Piedmont Music<br />
Chamber opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Louise and Carrie, friends s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>ir student days at Bryn Mawr, meet by chance after not hav<strong>in</strong>g seen<br />
or spoken with one ano<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> nearly seven years. They spend <strong>the</strong> afternoon at Louise’s apartment<br />
rem<strong>in</strong>isc<strong>in</strong>g about <strong>the</strong> past and tell<strong>in</strong>g clever stories <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir contented and, f<strong>in</strong>ally and truthfully, <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
discontented lives.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano<br />
Dur: 70’<br />
Instr: Fl. Cl. Pno./Synth. Vln. Vcl.<br />
or<br />
Pno.red.<br />
Fuchs, Peter Paul (1916-2007)<br />
Serenade at Noon<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Ann Vermel<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
4 Soprano (2 Lyric), 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 2 Speak<strong>in</strong>g roles<br />
Str.<br />
Getty, Gordon (b. 1933)<br />
Plump Jack<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, adapted from Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” and “Henry V”<br />
Publisher: Rork Music<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Dubbed “Plump Jack” by Queen Elizabeth I, Falstaff <strong>in</strong>spires tales <strong>of</strong> irreverent fun.<br />
Goldste<strong>in</strong>, Lee<br />
The Fan<br />
Cast: Contralto, Boy Alto, Tenor or Baritone, 5 Baritone or Bass, Bass<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: 2Picc. 1 3(E.H.) 4(2Bf 2Ef) 3(Cbsn.) - 4 3 3 2; Timp. 2Perc. Str.<br />
Comic opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by Charles Kondek, based on Carlo Goldoni’s “Il Ventaglio”<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
When Evaristo tries to present a new fan to Giann<strong>in</strong>a (whom he admires), <strong>in</strong>trigue, misunderstand<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
all <strong>the</strong> elements <strong>of</strong> farce, whirl around <strong>the</strong> object.<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 3 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 2 Bass<br />
Dur: 120’<br />
Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 1 1 - 1 0 0 0; Perc. Pno. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Gordon, Ricky Ian (b. 1956)<br />
Green Sneakers<br />
For Baritone, Empty Chair, Str<strong>in</strong>g Quartet ,and Piano<br />
Libretto by Ricky Ian Gordon<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Monodrama<br />
A dramatic cycle <strong>of</strong> songs document<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> composer’s emotional journey through a day that he faced as<br />
his partner was dy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> AIDS.<br />
Cast: Baritone<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: Str<strong>in</strong>g Quartet (Piano used as prop only, not played)<br />
Str<strong>in</strong>g parts on rental<br />
Vocal score published: 411-41120<br />
Study score published: 411-41121<br />
Rappahannock County<br />
A Theatrical Song Cycle about <strong>the</strong> Civil War<br />
Libretto by Mark Campbell<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
A <strong>the</strong>atrical song cycle that captures key emotional, sociological and historical moments <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Civil War.<br />
Much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> text was <strong>in</strong>spired by actual events and drawn from diaries, letters, and o<strong>the</strong>r accounts. The<br />
narrative, as it is, follows <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>es <strong>of</strong> history, from Secession <strong>in</strong> 1861 to defeat <strong>in</strong> 1865, and is <strong>in</strong> five parts.<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> story is centered geographically <strong>in</strong> Virg<strong>in</strong>ia, its <strong>the</strong>mes are universal to <strong>the</strong> Civil War.<br />
Cast: Soprano (African-American), Mezzo-soprano (Caucasian), Tenor (Caucasian),<br />
2 Baritone (1 African-American, 1 Caucasian)<br />
Dur: 80’<br />
Instr: 1(d.Picc.) 1(d.E.H.) 2(d.B.Cl.) 1 – 1 1(d.Flglhn.) 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno.(d.Cel.) Str.<br />
Gorney, Jay (1896-1990)<br />
Geografo<strong>of</strong><br />
A musical parable <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by James Austen<br />
Publisher: Piedmont<br />
Children’s Opera<br />
Cast: 11 medium voices<br />
Dur: 30’<br />
Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Str. Stage Band (8 parts)<br />
Gustafson, Dwight (b. 1930)<br />
Simeon<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three scenes<br />
Libretto by David Burke, after <strong>the</strong> story <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible (Luke 2: 25-32)<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
God has promised Simeon that he will not die before he sees <strong>the</strong> Messiah; Simeon wonders how much<br />
longer he must wait. But what is this story <strong>of</strong> angels he hears from Bethlehem shepherds? What heavenly<br />
sign could compel Eastern Magi to send an emissary to Jerusalem? And who is this Child a poor couple<br />
br<strong>in</strong>gs to dedicate at <strong>the</strong> Temple?<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Cast: Boy Soprano, Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass,<br />
2 Spoken roles (male); Chorus<br />
Dur: 61’<br />
Instr: 2(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2 2 – 4 3 3 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Syn<strong>the</strong>sizer Str.; 2 or 3 <strong>of</strong>f-stage Trombones<br />
Hagemann, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia<br />
The Bird’s Christmas Carol<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Libretto by Eleanor Jones on a story by Kate Douglas Wigg<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Sick and bedridden, young Carol Bird realizes that <strong>the</strong>re is as much joy <strong>in</strong> giv<strong>in</strong>g as receiv<strong>in</strong>g, and as her<br />
own Christmas Day birthday approaches, she enlists <strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> her family to spread Christmas cheer by<br />
organiz<strong>in</strong>g a big party for a poor family who live nearby.<br />
Children’s Opera<br />
Cast: 4 adults (2 female, 2 male), 2 adults or teenagers (1 female, 1 male)<br />
11 children up to teenagers (5 girls, 6 boys), 1 small girl, 1 boy “youngest child”<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
A Christmas Carol<br />
Operetta <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Lyrics by Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Hagemann, dialogue by Eleanor Jones, on a story by Charles Dickens<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
A simplified operetta <strong>of</strong> Dickens’ beloved story, for young audiences, and <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g young performers.<br />
Children’s Opera<br />
The Pied Piper<br />
Cast: 17 characters (some performers can double) and chorus.<br />
Uses at least 1 boy soprano, at least 1 small girl & 1 small boy,<br />
at least 1 teenage girl & 1 teenage boy<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 412-41017<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Children’s Opera<br />
The traditional story, with a happy end<strong>in</strong>g as <strong>the</strong> children are reunited with <strong>the</strong>ir parents.<br />
Cast: 30 characters, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g 15 children.<br />
Rest <strong>of</strong> characters could be adults or older children play<strong>in</strong>g adults<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41060<br />
Hailstork, Adolphus (b. 1941)<br />
Joshua’s Boots<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Susan Kander<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
A young black boy overcomes prejudice to become a cowboy, and earns himself a pair <strong>of</strong> new boots.<br />
Children’s Opera<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Cast: 4 Soprano, Pop Mezzo, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone, Chorus (Young Men, Boys, Girls)<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: Fl.(Picc.) Cl. Vln. Vcl. Perc. Pno. (Opt. on stage Vln., Pno.)<br />
Paul Laurence Dunbar: Common Ground<br />
An Operatic Theaterpiece<br />
Libretto by Herbert Woodward Mart<strong>in</strong><br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Dunbar (1873 – 1906), <strong>the</strong> first African-American poet to ga<strong>in</strong> national recognition, wrote <strong>in</strong> both<br />
standard <strong>English</strong> and <strong>the</strong> black dialect <strong>of</strong> his time. The work connects 12 <strong>of</strong> his poems with dialogue to<br />
illustrate his short life.<br />
Cast: Lyric Soprano, Dramatic Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />
Dur: 35’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 0; Timp Perc. Str.<br />
Hamilton, Ia<strong>in</strong> (1922-2000)<br />
Agamemnon<br />
Dramatic narrative <strong>in</strong> one act (1987)<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after Aeschylus, translated by Philip Vellacott<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, SATB Chorus<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: 4 Perc. Xylo. Mar. Glock. Timp. Hp. Pno. Cel.<br />
Anna Karen<strong>in</strong>a<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after <strong>the</strong> novel by Leo Tolstoy<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Cast: Boy Soprano, 4 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, 2 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 2 Bass;<br />
Four Guests (SATB); Chorus, Travelers, Guests, etc. (SATB)<br />
Dur: 135’<br />
Instr: 3(Picc.) 3(E.H.) 3(B.Cl.) 3 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 3Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
The Catil<strong>in</strong>e Conspiracy<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after Ben Jonson<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Greed and <strong>in</strong>trigue abound <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> turbulent f<strong>in</strong>al decades <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Roman Republic. Catil<strong>in</strong>e, a noble from<br />
an old but recently unsuccessful family, raises a conspiracy to overthrow <strong>the</strong> aristocratic senate and take<br />
Rome by force. Although little can be proven, <strong>the</strong> man who will eventually become Caesar is also heavily<br />
implicated…<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, 3 Tenor, 4 Baritone, 3 Bass; SATB chorus<br />
full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
2 2 2 2 - 3 2 7 0; 2Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Cleopatra<br />
Dramatic scene for soprano and orchestra<br />
Text by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Monodrama<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
“…<strong>in</strong>tensely dramatic…Exotically scored with sensuous writ<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> soloist, this work…is rem<strong>in</strong>iscent <strong>of</strong><br />
Strauss’s operas Elektra and Salomé <strong>in</strong> its late-Romantic opulence.” [www.musicweb-<strong>in</strong>ternational.com]<br />
Lancelot<br />
Cast: Soprano<br />
Dur: 21’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 4 2 3(B.Tbn.) 0 ; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
An opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
The earthly and spiritual struggles <strong>of</strong> Lancelot, as depicted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> famous legend <strong>of</strong> K<strong>in</strong>g Arthur.<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass-Baritone<br />
Dur: 120’<br />
Instr: 2(dbl. Picc.) 1(dbl.E.H.) 1(dbl.B.Cl.) 1 - 2 2 0 0; Perc. Hp. Pno. Str.<br />
London’s Fair or “The Cat <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Middle”<br />
A lyric comedy <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer from a previous text by Edmund Tracey<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
The story <strong>of</strong> Dick Whitt<strong>in</strong>gton. Country boy Dick arrives <strong>in</strong> London with his cat, makes his fortune thanks<br />
to <strong>the</strong> cat, woos Alice Fitzwarren, daughter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lord Mayor <strong>of</strong> London, and eventually rises to become<br />
Lord Mayor himself.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> Eve<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, 4 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 2 Bass,<br />
1 Mimed role, SATB chorus<br />
Dur: 120’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 2Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, from <strong>the</strong> novel by Ivan Turgenev<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
The story <strong>of</strong> a group <strong>of</strong> upper class teenagers <strong>in</strong> Russia on <strong>the</strong> eve <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Crimean War. Elena, troubled<br />
by her fa<strong>the</strong>r’s <strong>in</strong>fidelities, has developed a distaste for any marriage proposed by her parents. Pavel, a<br />
friend who loves her, <strong>in</strong>troduces her to <strong>the</strong> revolutionary, Dimitry, who becomes a rival <strong>in</strong> love. Elena is<br />
attracted to Dimitry, who must choose between love and war.<br />
Cast: 1 Soprano, 1 Mezzo-soprano, 3 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 1 Bass<br />
Dur: 110’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 4 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Pharsalia<br />
A dramatic commentary <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after Lucan<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
It is 49 BC and Caesar’s popularity has brought him <strong>in</strong>to direct confrontation with <strong>the</strong> Senate, which fears<br />
his strength. He must decide whe<strong>the</strong>r to stand down as governor <strong>of</strong> Gaul, as <strong>the</strong> Senate orders, or follow<br />
his ambitions, cross <strong>the</strong> Rubicon and plunge <strong>the</strong> republic <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> depths <strong>of</strong> a bloody civil war. “The die is<br />
cast,” exclaims Caesar as he chooses <strong>the</strong> latter course. Lucan’s imagery <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> war and its aftermath has<br />
haunted readers throughout <strong>the</strong> ages.<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, 1 Alto, 1 Tenor, 1 Baritone, 1 Bass, Narrator<br />
Dur: 25’<br />
Instr: 1 0 1 0 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Hp. 1Vln. 1Vla. 1Vcl.<br />
Raleigh’s Dream<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> prologue and 8 scenes (1968)<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
1618: Sir Walter Raleigh is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Tower <strong>of</strong> London, await<strong>in</strong>g execution. His life was not always so illfated…<br />
Once a favourite <strong>of</strong> Queen Elizabeth I, his dream was to extend her realm <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> New World <strong>in</strong><br />
peace, <strong>in</strong> a way vastly different from <strong>the</strong> warr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vasions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spaniards; but this dream was not so<br />
easy to achieve and <strong>the</strong> rough path towards those ideals led to disillusionment and betrayal.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, 4 Baritone, Bass-baritone; STB Chorus<br />
Dur: 85’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 1 0; Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
The Royal Hunt <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sun<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer based on <strong>the</strong> play by Peter Shaffer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
The expedition <strong>of</strong> Pizzarro to Peru to conquer <strong>the</strong> Incas and seize <strong>the</strong>ir gold. Pizzarro and <strong>the</strong> Incan<br />
chief, Atahuallpa, argue <strong>the</strong>ir respective religions, and develop a peculiar mutual respect. Atahuallpa’s<br />
rejection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible is <strong>in</strong>terpreted as justification for whatever methods Pizzarro may use to ga<strong>in</strong> his ends.<br />
Atahuallpa is killed, but Pizzarro’s reaction is that <strong>of</strong> disillusionment ra<strong>the</strong>r than victory.<br />
Cast: 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass; many smaller rolls (all male voices), SATB Chorus<br />
Dur: 135’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 4Perc. Mar. Xylo. Org./Cel. Hp. Str.<br />
Tamburla<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Lyric Drama <strong>in</strong> one or two acts<br />
Text by <strong>the</strong> composer after Marlowe<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
A tale <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dark side <strong>of</strong> unbridled ambition: <strong>in</strong> a bid to achieve his ultimate goal <strong>of</strong> forc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> world to<br />
submit to his rule by force, Tamburla<strong>in</strong>e causes <strong>the</strong> death <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> only person he has ever loved. At <strong>the</strong><br />
po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> his own death, his <strong>in</strong>satiable appetite for conquest rema<strong>in</strong>s haunt<strong>in</strong>gly unfulfilled.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, 2 Tenor, Baritone, 2 Bass; SATB Chorus<br />
90’ (One act) or 120’ (Two acts)<br />
2 2 2 2 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 4 Perc. Pno. Cel. Hp. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
The Tragedy <strong>of</strong> Macbeth<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after William Shakespeare<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />
Dur: 100’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
Handel, George Frederic (1685-1759)<br />
Julius Caesar<br />
Concert version <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> opera by Ernest Gerbert<br />
Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
In Egypt, Caesar falls for Cleopatra, whose own politics become irrevocably and tragically <strong>in</strong>volved with<br />
those <strong>of</strong> Rome.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
Five s<strong>in</strong>gers<br />
Full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
2Fl. 2Ob. Pno. Str.<br />
Harnick, Sheldon (b. 1924)<br />
Frustration<br />
A m<strong>in</strong>i-opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A comedy about Mélisande and her supposed Pelléas, who, be<strong>in</strong>g French but s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>English</strong>, express<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>in</strong> a delightful Franglais.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Alto<br />
Dur: 7’<br />
Instr: Cl. Pno. Vln.<br />
Sale: Performance materials 441-41008<br />
Haydn, Franz Joseph (1735-1809)<br />
La Canter<strong>in</strong>a (The Songstress)<br />
Opera Buffa <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Edited by Karl Geir<strong>in</strong>ger; <strong>English</strong> translation by Carl Zytowski<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Gaspar<strong>in</strong>a is wooed by two men, but even when it is apparent that jewels and riches are even more<br />
attractive to her, both men are more than will<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>dulge her <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> hopes <strong>of</strong> w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g her affections.<br />
Human folly revealed!<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, Soprano or Tenor, Tenor<br />
Dur: Partial even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Instr: 2Fl. 2Ob. 2E.H. 2Hn. Str.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-410790<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Jason, Daniel<br />
Kris Kr<strong>in</strong>gle Rides Aga<strong>in</strong><br />
Libretto by James Austen<br />
Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.<br />
Children’s Opera<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
7 males, 2 pre-teens (1 boy, 1 girl) 2 very small children (1 boy, 1 girl),<br />
3 solo parts (m or f), chorus <strong>of</strong> Christmas Shoppers, Postmen, Pupils, Seals<br />
Orchestra or band: 1 1 2 1 - 2 2 1 0; Perc. Str.<br />
or<br />
Fl. 3Cl. B.Cl. Alto Sax. Ten.Sax. Bar.Sax. Hn. 3Tpt. Tu. 2Perc.<br />
Kanitz, Ernst (1894-1978)<br />
Perpetual<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Ellen Terry<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Bass-Baritone<br />
Dur: 17’<br />
Instr: Piano (1 or 2 players)<br />
Kim, Earl (1920-1998)<br />
Footfalls<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, after <strong>the</strong> play by Samuel Beckett<br />
Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A psychological drama about May, <strong>in</strong> which her relationship with her mo<strong>the</strong>r plays a key role. Are May’s<br />
memories real or imag<strong>in</strong>ed? Is May sane or <strong>in</strong>sane? She paces back and forth…<strong>the</strong> “footfalls” <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> title.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano<br />
Dur: 23’<br />
Instr: 2Pno. Hpscd.<br />
Kohs, Ellis B. (1916-2000)<br />
Amerika<br />
A tragicomedy <strong>in</strong> 3 acts and 11 scenes<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after <strong>the</strong> novel by Franz Kafka<br />
Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
To avoid scandal, a young man is sent from his home <strong>in</strong> Prague to America, where he falls prey to<br />
seduction, misunderstand<strong>in</strong>g and rejection, but cont<strong>in</strong>ues to try and make his way.<br />
Cast: Coloratura Soprano, 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, 3 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 2 Bass;<br />
Male & Female Speakers<br />
Dur: 145’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 3Sax. - 2 1 1 1; Perc. Str. Off-stage Brass Band<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Kupferman, Meyer (1926-2003)<br />
The Curious Fern<br />
Opera fantasy <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Alastair Reid<br />
Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
In a Garden<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />
Dur: 55’<br />
Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Str.<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Gertrude Ste<strong>in</strong><br />
Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Little Lucy Willow dreams <strong>of</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g a Queen. Two young boys jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fantasy and declare <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
K<strong>in</strong>gs. But whose fantasy is <strong>the</strong> more real? And when <strong>the</strong> two K<strong>in</strong>gs duel it out and die, is it make-believe<br />
or real? Only Gertrude Ste<strong>in</strong> knows.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />
Dur: 15’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Str.<br />
Voices for a Mirror<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Alastair Reid<br />
Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone<br />
Dur: 55’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Str.<br />
Laderman, Ezra (b. 1924)<br />
Galileo Galilei<br />
an Opera-Oratorio <strong>in</strong> Three Acts<br />
Libretto by Joe Darion<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
The opera beg<strong>in</strong>s and ends with Galileo <strong>in</strong> old age, now bl<strong>in</strong>d, and rejected, reflect<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> struggles he<br />
has had aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> voices <strong>of</strong> ignorance, prejudice and fear. The rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> opera charts <strong>in</strong> flash-back his<br />
trials with <strong>the</strong> Church, both figurative and literal.<br />
Cast: Soprano, 3 Mezzo-soprano, 10 Tenor, at least 5 Baritone, Bass-Baritone,<br />
8 silent roles, Chorus<br />
Dur: 120’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 2 2 2 1; Timp. 3Perc. Hp. Org. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Goodbye to <strong>the</strong> Clown<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Ernest K<strong>in</strong>oy<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
N<strong>in</strong>e-year old Peggy has an imag<strong>in</strong>ary playmate, “Clown,” who is very real to her. She blames <strong>the</strong> Clown<br />
for her behavior, which is caus<strong>in</strong>g problems at school and with her Mo<strong>the</strong>r. The truth about <strong>the</strong> Clown<br />
(visible to <strong>the</strong> audience) is slowly revealed as Peggy realizes that her Fa<strong>the</strong>r is dead. The Clown, who has<br />
been a fa<strong>the</strong>r-substitute <strong>in</strong> her m<strong>in</strong>d, is no longer needed, and says good-bye.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 2 Baritone<br />
Dur: 45’<br />
Instr: 1 0 1 0 - 1 0 0 0; Perc. Pno. Str.<br />
Lee, Thomas Oboe (b 1945)<br />
The Inman Diaries<br />
Chamber opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by Jesse J. Mart<strong>in</strong> , based on <strong>the</strong> diaries <strong>of</strong> Arthur Crew Inman<br />
and <strong>the</strong> play “Visitations” by Lorenzo DeStefano<br />
Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Arthur Crew Inman was a Boston recluse who, <strong>in</strong> order to ga<strong>in</strong> immortality, obsessively documented <strong>the</strong><br />
countless stories (<strong>in</strong> diaries that run to 155 volumes) related to him by people whom he would pay, <strong>in</strong><br />
order to hear about <strong>the</strong>ir lives <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>timate detail. He was especially <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> young women, and was<br />
known to have been sexually <strong>in</strong>volved with several <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m. He committed suicide <strong>in</strong> 1963.<br />
Cast: 3 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-soprano, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone<br />
Dur: 100’<br />
Instr: Cl. Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb. Hp. Perc.<br />
Lehar, Franz (1870-1948)<br />
The Merry Widow<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
<strong>English</strong> lyrics and adaptation <strong>of</strong> libretto by Sheldon Harnick<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
3 2 2 2 - 4 2 3 0; Timp. 2Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
On stage: 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb. 2Tambourizza, B.Tambourizza<br />
Lehrman, Leonard (b. 1949)<br />
Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud<br />
One-act operas to be performed toge<strong>the</strong>r as “Tales <strong>of</strong> Malamud” or separately<br />
(“Idiots First” by Marc Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, and “Karla” by Lehrman)<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Dur:<br />
full even<strong>in</strong>g when performed toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Karla<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Leonard Lehrman, based on Notes From a Lady at a D<strong>in</strong>ner Party by Bernard Malamud<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong> a d<strong>in</strong>ner party, an affair beg<strong>in</strong>s between Karla, <strong>the</strong> wife <strong>of</strong> a renowned architect, and<br />
her husband’s former student. Karla passes him notes throughout d<strong>in</strong>ner, and a visit to <strong>the</strong> bedroom to<br />
see Karla’s babies results <strong>in</strong> a motel room assignation, but …<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
Sacco and Vanzetti<br />
Bass-Baritone, Tenor, Mezzo-Soprano, Lyric Soprano, High Contralto or<br />
“gutsy” Mezzo-Soprano, Lyric Baritone, Speak<strong>in</strong>g part<br />
Partial even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
2(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2(B.Cl.) 2 - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Syn. Pno. 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb.<br />
An opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Words and music begun by Marc Blitzste<strong>in</strong>, completed by Leonard Lehrman<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
An exam<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> notorious trial <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1920s.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
Suppose a Wedd<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Large Cast; or cast <strong>of</strong> 10 with doubl<strong>in</strong>gs: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano,<br />
3 Tenor, 3 Baritone, Bass<br />
Full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Piano; (orchestration pend<strong>in</strong>g)<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
one act opera<br />
(to be performed <strong>in</strong>dependently, or as an <strong>in</strong>termezzo between “Idiots First” and “Karla”)<br />
Libretto by Leonard Lehrman, based on <strong>the</strong> Scene <strong>of</strong> a Play by Bernard Malamud<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Adele is engaged to salesman Leon, but her fa<strong>the</strong>r suspects she does not know her own heart, and<br />
<strong>in</strong>troduces her to Ben, a budd<strong>in</strong>g writer; Mo<strong>the</strong>r favors <strong>the</strong> suit <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fiancé. The parents quarrel, <strong>the</strong><br />
fiancés quarrel; enter <strong>the</strong> writer… Will Adele f<strong>in</strong>d happ<strong>in</strong>ess?<br />
Cast: Soprano, high Mezzo-Soprano, character Bari/Tenor, high Baritone, 1-l<strong>in</strong>e male role<br />
Dur: 53’<br />
Instr: pend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Liebermann, Lowell (b. 1961)<br />
Miss Lonelyhearts<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by J.D. McClatchy, based on a story by Nathanael West<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Based on Nathanael West’s shock<strong>in</strong>g 1933 masterpiece, Miss Lonelyhearts tells <strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong> a troubled<br />
advice columnist <strong>in</strong> Depression-era New York, whose encounters with a morally destitute world drive<br />
feverishly toward a climactic conclusion, with masterful dark comedy along <strong>the</strong> way.<br />
Cast: Ma<strong>in</strong> Characters: 2 Soprano (lyric, coloratura), Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone;<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r sung and solo parts from chorus; Pre-recorded radio voice (light tenor)<br />
Dur: full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Instr: 2(d.Picc.) 2(d.E.H.) 2(d.B.Cl.) 2(d.Cbsn.) – 2 2 3 0; Timp. 5Perc. Hp. Kbd. Str.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41110<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
The Picture <strong>of</strong> Dorian Gray<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, adapted from <strong>the</strong> novel by Oscar Wilde<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Oscar Wilde’s well-known story <strong>of</strong> eternal youth is brought to <strong>the</strong> stage, with external beauty only th<strong>in</strong>ly<br />
disguis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> ugl<strong>in</strong>ess that can <strong>in</strong>habit men’s souls.<br />
Loder, Marion<br />
Cast: Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal Roles: Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass; two secondary roles and three m<strong>in</strong>or roles<br />
Dur: 135’<br />
Instr: 3 3 3 3 - 4 3 3 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str. On-stage Upright Piano, Off-stage Viol<strong>in</strong><br />
Reduced version: 2(Picc.) 2 2(B.Cl.) 2 - 2 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Kbd, Str.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41101<br />
C<strong>in</strong>derella <strong>in</strong> Flowerland (or The Lost Lady’s Slipper)<br />
Operetta for children<br />
Libretto by Marion Loder<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
C<strong>in</strong>derella re-imag<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> a world <strong>of</strong> flower fairies.<br />
Cast: 17 <strong>in</strong>dividual parts, groups <strong>of</strong> butterflies/charioteers, 12 v. small children (3-5yrs.)<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
Lombardi, Luca (b. 1945)<br />
Children’s Opera<br />
Prospero<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by Friedrich Christian Delius and Luca Lombardi, based on The Tempest by William Shakespeare.<br />
Libretto <strong>in</strong> four languages, accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> various characters: Ariel – <strong>English</strong>;<br />
Island <strong>in</strong>habitants (Miranda, Prospero, Caliban) – German; Sailors – Neapolitan; O<strong>the</strong>rs - Italian<br />
Publisher: RAI Trade<br />
Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” told <strong>in</strong> four languages. To achieve <strong>the</strong> mercurial qualities <strong>of</strong> Ariel, <strong>the</strong><br />
character is played by 4 female s<strong>in</strong>gers and an on-stage flute. In a similar way, Prospero is doubled by an<br />
on-stage cello.<br />
Cast: 3 Soprano, 2Mezzo-soprano, 2 Contralto, 2 Tenor, 2Baritone, 1 Bass; Chorus<br />
Dur: 150’<br />
Instr: On-stage Flute, Cello; 3 3 3 Sax. 3 – 4 4 4 1; 6Perc. Hp. Cel. Pno. Str.<br />
Mayer, William (b. 1925)<br />
Brief Candle<br />
Short opera <strong>in</strong> three acts for chorus and mime<br />
(No sets are required, only some necessary props)<br />
Libretto by Milton Feist<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Giv<strong>in</strong>g credence to ars longa, vita brevis: <strong>the</strong> hero<strong>in</strong>e is born, married, and dies, <strong>in</strong> 3 short acts and 6<br />
m<strong>in</strong>utes.<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Cast: 4 Soloists drawn from Chorus (1 Female, 3 Male); Female Mime, Chorus<br />
Dur: 6 ¼’<br />
Instr: 2 1 2 1 - 2 2 1 0; Perc. Pno.(Harm.) Str.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 412-41052 (Custom Pr<strong>in</strong>t)<br />
The Eve <strong>of</strong> St. Agnes<br />
Dramatic Fantasy<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> poem by John Keats<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to legend, if a young girl follows certa<strong>in</strong> rituals on <strong>the</strong> Eve <strong>of</strong> St. Agnes, she will dream <strong>of</strong> her<br />
future husband that night. In a medieval castle, Madel<strong>in</strong>e’s dream comes true as Porphyro enters her<br />
chamber and her dreams; upon her awaken<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> lovers must flee before be<strong>in</strong>g discovered.<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, Tenor, Baritone; Mixed Chorus<br />
Dur: 14’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 2 0; Timp. 3Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 416-41194 (Custom Pr<strong>in</strong>t)<br />
Moss, Lawrence (b. 1927)<br />
The Brute<br />
Comedy <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Eric Bentley, after <strong>the</strong> play by Chekhov<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Comedy and drama ensue when a creditor comes to collect a debt left by a woman’s dead husband, with<br />
unexpected results.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Bass<br />
Dur: 20’<br />
Instr: Fl. Cl. Bsn. Vib. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />
The Queen and <strong>the</strong> Rebels<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, based on <strong>the</strong> play by Ugo Betti<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Cast: Dramatic Soprano, Soprano, Tenor, High Baritone, Baritone, Bass; Chorus, Ballet<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: Large Orch.: 3 3 3 3 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. Perc.(Vb. Xylo.) Pno. Hp. Str. (8 7 6 5 4)<br />
Reduced Orch.: 3 1 3 1 - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756-1791)<br />
The Impresario<br />
A comedy with music <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> play by Gottlieb Stephanie <strong>the</strong> Younger (<strong>English</strong>)<br />
<strong>English</strong> text by Dory Prev<strong>in</strong><br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
The libretto is a 20th century re-make by Dory Prev<strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al story. Two sopranos engage <strong>in</strong> a diva<br />
duel <strong>of</strong> words about <strong>the</strong>ir art and who is <strong>the</strong> prima donna, <strong>the</strong>n a tenor jo<strong>in</strong>s <strong>the</strong> fray, while <strong>the</strong> worldweary<br />
impresario <strong>of</strong>fers his commentary, but dreams <strong>of</strong> escap<strong>in</strong>g it all.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Speak<strong>in</strong>g Role<br />
Dur: 40’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 0 0; Timp. Str.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-410330<br />
Paisiello, Giovanni (1740-1816)<br />
K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>in</strong> Venice<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by G. Casti (Italian). <strong>English</strong> version by Arthur Schoep and Boris Goldovsky<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
A comedy loosely base on a scene from Voltaire’s Candide, which was recognized by contemporaries as a<br />
th<strong>in</strong>ly-disguised satire on <strong>the</strong> exploits <strong>of</strong> K<strong>in</strong>g Gustavus III <strong>of</strong> Sweden dur<strong>in</strong>g a visit to Italy.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
2 Soprano, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 2 Bass; Chorus<br />
2 2 2 2 - 2 2 0 0; Str.<br />
Pasatieri, Thomas (b. 1945)<br />
Before Breakfast<br />
Monodrama for Soprano or Mezzo-soprano<br />
Libretto by Frank Corsaro, after <strong>the</strong> play by Eugene O’Neill<br />
with Chamber Ensemble (13 Players), Small Orchestra, or Piano<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Monodrama<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A lonely alcoholic addresses her <strong>of</strong>f-stage husband while she prepares breakfast, and <strong>in</strong> so do<strong>in</strong>g we learn<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dreams she envisioned for her life and <strong>the</strong> disappo<strong>in</strong>tments that ultimately filled it.<br />
Black Widow<br />
Cast: Soprano or Mezzo-Soprano<br />
Dur: 45’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1(B.Cl.) 1 – 1 1 1 0; Pno.(Cel.) Hp. Str.(5tet or section)<br />
or<br />
Pno.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41111<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, based on Dos Madres by Miguel de Unamuno<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A beautiful young widow who cannot have children <strong>of</strong> her own hatches a diabolical plot that will f<strong>in</strong>ally<br />
provide her with <strong>the</strong> child she desires. Many lives turn to tragedy as her scheme sw<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>to action.<br />
Calvary<br />
Cast: Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />
Dur: 120’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after <strong>the</strong> play by William Butler Yeats<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
On his way to <strong>the</strong> cross, Jesus is rejected by those he came to save. Lazarus asks Jesus why he dragged<br />
him from <strong>the</strong> peace <strong>of</strong> death to search for mean<strong>in</strong>g, and Judas compla<strong>in</strong>s he was predest<strong>in</strong>ed and<br />
compelled by God to be <strong>the</strong> betrayer and yet must be condemned for his act. Christ’s ultimate rejection<br />
and result<strong>in</strong>g lonel<strong>in</strong>ess make his crucifixion seem <strong>in</strong> va<strong>in</strong>.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 3 Baritone, 2 Bass<br />
Dur: 33’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 0 0 0; Hp. Vln. Vla. Vcl.<br />
The Daughter <strong>of</strong> Capulet<br />
Monodrama for Voice and Piano<br />
Libretto by Thomas Pasatieri, from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Monodrama<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A drama constructed from Juliet’s well-known soliloquies from Shakespeare’s play, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> famous<br />
balcony scene.<br />
Cast: Voice<br />
Dur: 15’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41124<br />
La Div<strong>in</strong>a (1965, rev. 2005)<br />
Comic Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Now with revised voices and <strong>in</strong>strumentation. A stellar, but ag<strong>in</strong>g, coloratura diva faces her farewell<br />
performance with fear for a future without fame and glamour. The relief felt by her maid and manager<br />
that <strong>the</strong> prima donna’s temperament and “star complex” will now be at an end is short lived when <strong>the</strong><br />
diva announces she will s<strong>in</strong>g yet ano<strong>the</strong>r “farewell” concert next week.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Baritone, Tenor or Soprano<br />
Dur: 30’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 0 0; Pno. 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41025<br />
The Family Room<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Daphne Malfitano<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Two women speak <strong>of</strong> blue skies and thunderstorms, but live <strong>in</strong> a w<strong>in</strong>dowless room. They speak <strong>of</strong> a child<br />
and <strong>the</strong> men <strong>the</strong>y love, but <strong>the</strong>ir only company is <strong>the</strong> sounds from upstairs. This is The Family Room. The<br />
seem<strong>in</strong>gly normal life that <strong>the</strong> women talk about is revealed to be at odds with a brutal reality.<br />
Frau Margot<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Actor<br />
Dur: 85’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 1 0; Pno. Hp. Str.5tet(or section)<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Libretto by Frank Corsaro, based on his orig<strong>in</strong>al play Lyric Suite<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
The great composer Erich Künstler leaves an unf<strong>in</strong>ished opera beh<strong>in</strong>d at his death. The world is eager to<br />
see <strong>the</strong> score, but his widow, Frau Margot, guards <strong>the</strong> manuscript jealously.<br />
(Inspired by an event related to Mr. Corsaro by Leonard Bernste<strong>in</strong>, who had approached Berg’s widow<br />
about complet<strong>in</strong>g Lulu. Mrs. Berg later <strong>in</strong>formed Bernste<strong>in</strong> that she had “asked” her husband, but he said<br />
he did not want Bernste<strong>in</strong> to complete <strong>the</strong> opera. Bernste<strong>in</strong> concluded that Mrs. Berg had relied on a<br />
séance to “contact” her husband).<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, 3 Tenor, Baritone, 3 Bass-Baritone<br />
Dur: 120’<br />
Instr: 2 1 2 1 – 2 2 2 0; Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41117<br />
God Bless Us, Everyone<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by Michael Capasso and Bill Van Horn after <strong>the</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Charles Dickens<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Scrooge has died, but returns to earth as a happy ghost. How does he settle <strong>in</strong>to a reformed after-life<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g his about-face at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> ‘A Christmas Carol’? What happens to T<strong>in</strong>y Tim? Pasatieri’s new<br />
opera picks up where Dickens left <strong>of</strong>f.<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, Baritone, 2 Bass-baritone, Chorus<br />
(several small roles that can be cast from with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> chorus)<br />
Dur: 78’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 1 0; Pno. Hp. Str.5tet(or section)<br />
Vocal score for sale: (<strong>in</strong> prep.)<br />
The Hotel Casablanca<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, <strong>in</strong>spired by A Flea <strong>in</strong> Her Ear by Georges Feydeau<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Set to an orig<strong>in</strong>al libretto by Mr. Pasatieri, <strong>the</strong> comedy, set <strong>in</strong> 1948, tells <strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong> a wealthy Texas<br />
couple who want to “toughen up” <strong>the</strong>ir 25-year-old nephew from New York. The action takes place at <strong>the</strong><br />
Double-T Ranch and a seedy hotel, where assorted eccentric guests add to <strong>the</strong> mayhem <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stay.<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, 2 Baritone, 2 Bass-Baritone<br />
Dur: 100’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.7tet<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41114<br />
Inés de Castro<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Libretto by Bernard Stambler<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
In 14th-century Portugal, <strong>the</strong> love between Inés and Pedro (later K<strong>in</strong>g Pedro I) is <strong>in</strong> conflict with <strong>the</strong><br />
political alliances forced on Pedro as crown pr<strong>in</strong>ce. The union between <strong>the</strong> two ultimately results <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
murder <strong>of</strong> Inés. In his grief, Pedro is consumed by revenge.<br />
Lady Macbeth<br />
Cast: 2 Boy Soprano, 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone, 4 Bass, Silent role;<br />
Mixed Chorus, Boys’ Chorus<br />
Dur: 120’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 4 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
Monodrama for Soprano<br />
Libretto by Thomas Pasatieri, from Macbeth by William Shakespeare<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
From Lady Macbeth’s speeches, woven <strong>in</strong>to a dramatic monologue.<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Monodrama<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Cast: Soprano<br />
Dur: 15’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41111<br />
Maria Elena<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> true story <strong>of</strong> Maria Elena, a beautiful Mexican woman who falls <strong>in</strong> love with Gonzalo, a<br />
handsome crim<strong>in</strong>al. Toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y rob men who fall <strong>in</strong> love with her. The police trap her and she is sent<br />
to prison, where she goes mad. The opera is a flashback <strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong> men who have been <strong>in</strong> love with<br />
her appear to her and she remembers her life.<br />
Padrevia<br />
Cast: 3 Soprano, 4 Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone, Bass-Baritone; small chorus<br />
Dur: 90’<br />
Instr: 2 1 2 1 - 2 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
Lyric tragedy <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer based on a Boccaccio tale<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
In Padrevia, K<strong>in</strong>g Tancred immures his beautiful daughter, Gismonda, <strong>in</strong> a castle, ostensibly to protect her<br />
from <strong>the</strong> world. By chance, she meets Guiscardo, a young gardener at <strong>the</strong> castle. When Tancred discovers<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir secret love, Guiscardo is killed; Gismonda <strong>the</strong>n takes poison. Tancred reveals his passion for his<br />
daughter…<br />
Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Bass-Baritone, Narrator; 1 non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g role<br />
Dur: 52’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str. (1 1 2 2 1)<br />
Vocal Score published: 411-41024<br />
The Penitentes<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Libretto by Anne Howard Bailey<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
A group <strong>of</strong> outsiders become enmeshed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> rituals <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Penitentes, a group <strong>of</strong> Mexican Americans who<br />
live <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mounta<strong>in</strong>s <strong>of</strong> New Mexico and Colorado. Their <strong>in</strong>volvement ends <strong>in</strong> tragedy on Good Friday,<br />
traditionally a day when one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> community’s younger members reenacts <strong>the</strong> crucifixion <strong>of</strong> Christ.<br />
Cast: Large Cast, Mixed Chorus<br />
Dur: 100’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 4 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />
The Seagull (1972, rev. 2004)<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Libretto by Kenward Elmslie after Chekhov<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chekov’s dark treatment <strong>of</strong> unrequited love is brought to <strong>the</strong> opera stage. Now <strong>in</strong> large and reduced<br />
orchestra versions, with or without chorus.<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
(<strong>in</strong> reduced version)<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Signor Deluso<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano (or 1 Lyric Sop., 1 Mzo.-sop.), 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone,<br />
1 Bass (or Bass-Baritone), Off-Stage Chorus (or SATB soli)<br />
Dur: 120’<br />
Instr: Large Orchestration: 2 2 2 2 - 4 2 2 1; Timp. 2Perc. Hp. Str. (m<strong>in</strong>. 8.7.6.5.2)<br />
Reduced Orchestration: 2 2 2 1 - 2 1 1 0; 1Perc. Hp. Str. (m<strong>in</strong>. 3.3.3.3.1)<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41107<br />
Opera Buffa <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, based on Molière’s “Sganarelle”<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A comedy <strong>of</strong> layer upon layer <strong>of</strong> misunderstand<strong>in</strong>g … not for noth<strong>in</strong>g does <strong>the</strong> title character make us<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>of</strong> “delusion”! Just when everyth<strong>in</strong>g appears to be hopelessly embroiled, <strong>the</strong> maid enters <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> nick<br />
<strong>of</strong> time and clears up <strong>the</strong> whole mess.<br />
Three Sisters<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, 1 or 2 Bass-Baritone<br />
Dur: 30’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 0 - 1 0 0 0; Pno. Vln. Vla. Vcl.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41092<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by Kenward Elmslie based on Anton Chekhov’s play (1901)<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Opportunity knocks for Olga, Masha, and Ir<strong>in</strong>a, who dream <strong>of</strong> break<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong>ir hum-drum existence <strong>in</strong><br />
a small prov<strong>in</strong>cial Russian garrison town, but not for long. With <strong>the</strong>ir aspirations vanquished, and despite<br />
<strong>the</strong> depress<strong>in</strong>g return <strong>of</strong> life to just how it was before, <strong>the</strong> sisters still cl<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong>ir hopes for a better<br />
future.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
The Trial <strong>of</strong> Mary L<strong>in</strong>coln<br />
3 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 4 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 2 Bass<br />
Partial even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
2 2 2(B.Cl.) 2(Cbsn.) – 4 0 2 0; 3Perc. Str.<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Anne Howard Bailey<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A decade after her husband’s assass<strong>in</strong>ation, a Chicago court declared Mary L<strong>in</strong>coln <strong>in</strong>sane and committed<br />
her to a mental <strong>in</strong>stitution. Robert Todd L<strong>in</strong>coln, Mary’s only surviv<strong>in</strong>g child, arranged <strong>the</strong> trial after<br />
agoniz<strong>in</strong>g over his distressed mo<strong>the</strong>r’s erratic behavior. Mary has flash-backs from <strong>the</strong> dock, which take<br />
us through <strong>the</strong> tragic story <strong>of</strong> her unique life.<br />
Cast: 1 Lyric Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 1 Contralto, 6 Baritone,<br />
8 Solo Voices (4 Female, 4 Male)<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: 3 2 2(B.Cl.) 2(Cbsn.) - 2 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />
Wash<strong>in</strong>gton Square<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts and an epilogue<br />
Libretto by Kenward Elmslie, after <strong>the</strong> Henry James novel<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
The trysts and tribulations <strong>of</strong> first love take unexpected turns <strong>in</strong> this adaptation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> classic Henry James<br />
story.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
The Women<br />
Cast: 3 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass-Baritone<br />
Dur: 110’<br />
Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 1(B.Cl.) 1(Cbsn.) - 1 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno.(Cel.) Hp. Str.<br />
Chamber opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
The eternal nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> conflict between a man, his wife and his mo<strong>the</strong>r is put <strong>in</strong>to sharp relief by this<br />
surreal opera, which places all three characters <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> after-life.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Bass<br />
Dur: 13’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 0 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str<strong>in</strong>g Quartet<br />
Vocal Score published: 411-41026<br />
Persichetti, V<strong>in</strong>cent (1915-1987)<br />
The Sibyl<br />
A Parable <strong>of</strong> Chicken Little<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer<br />
Publisher: Elkan-Vogel Inc.<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
“A serious exploration <strong>of</strong> how people face—or avoid—serious issues… The score must stand as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
composer’s brightest and most colorful <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>of</strong>fer<strong>in</strong>gs… it <strong>in</strong>cludes at least one f<strong>in</strong>ely sculpted aria,<br />
but also choral music that speaks clearly and brilliantly.” [Daniel Webster, Philadelphia Inquirer]<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass; SATB Chorus (16 or more s<strong>in</strong>gers)<br />
Dur: 75’<br />
Instr: 2(Picc.) 1 2(B.Cl.) 1 - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />
Ran, Shulamit (b. 1948)<br />
Between Two Worlds (“The Dybbuk”)<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by Charles Kondek, after <strong>the</strong> drama ‘The Dybbuk’ by S. Ansky<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Leya, about to enter an arranged marriage, is actually <strong>in</strong> love with Khonnon, and after he dies, she<br />
becomes possessed <strong>of</strong> his soul. This possession comes to a climax dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> arranged marriage<br />
ceremony. The result<strong>in</strong>g exorcism <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> “dybbuk” leaves Leya rest<strong>in</strong>g before <strong>the</strong> marriage can cont<strong>in</strong>ue.<br />
Khonnon appears to <strong>the</strong> sleep<strong>in</strong>g Leya, and tells her that although he has now left her body, he is now<br />
forever part <strong>of</strong> her soul.<br />
Cast: Lead Roles: Lyric Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, High Baritone, Bass or Bass-Baritone<br />
Support<strong>in</strong>g Roles: 2 Sopranos, Mezzo-Soprano (pants role), 2 Tenors (1 doubl<strong>in</strong>g role),<br />
Baritone (doubl<strong>in</strong>g roles), Bass or Bass-Baritone;<br />
Chorus: at least 12 s<strong>in</strong>gers (some doubl<strong>in</strong>g)<br />
Dur: full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Instr: 2(2Picc./AltoFl.) 1(E.H.) 2(2EfCl./AltoCl.) 1(Cbsn.) - 1 2 2(B.Tbn.) 0;<br />
3Perc. Pno. Hp. Str. (4 2 2 1)<br />
3 Sh<strong>of</strong>ars (recorded sh<strong>of</strong>ar and sampled sh<strong>of</strong>ar sounds may be subsitituted)<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Ratner, Leonard (b. 1916)<br />
The Necklace<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act, four scenes<br />
Libretto by Leonard Ratner, based on a short story by Guy de Maupassant<br />
Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Mathilde is married to a clerk, with little money to spare for <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>eries she dreams <strong>of</strong>. She borrows a<br />
glitter<strong>in</strong>g necklace for a glamourous social function, but manages to lose it on <strong>the</strong> way home. She and<br />
her husband replace <strong>the</strong> necklace at great cost without disclos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> true story <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> loss, <strong>the</strong>n spend <strong>the</strong><br />
next 10 years <strong>in</strong> dire f<strong>in</strong>ancial straits as <strong>the</strong>y pay <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> debt. Later, a chance meet<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> owner <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> necklace reveals that <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al was not genu<strong>in</strong>e diamonds, and worth only a fraction <strong>of</strong> what <strong>the</strong><br />
replacement had cost.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone<br />
Dur: 25’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
Richter, Ada (1900-1988)<br />
Merry Christmas, Mister Snowman!<br />
Operetta for children <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Book by Nancy K. Hosk<strong>in</strong>s<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Children’s Opera<br />
A Snowman comes to life and experiences his first Christmas, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> company <strong>of</strong> several children, <strong>the</strong><br />
Sandman, and Santa and Mrs. Claus.<br />
Cast: 8 adults (4 female, 4 male), girls’ danc<strong>in</strong>g and s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g class (snowflake fairies),<br />
boys and girls (carol s<strong>in</strong>gers), small boys and girls (toys),<br />
small boys (Sandman’s Helpers)<br />
Dur: 75’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 412-41003<br />
Rochberg, George (1918-2005)<br />
The Confidence Man<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> 2 parts<br />
Libretto by Gene Rochberg, after Herman Melville<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
The story <strong>of</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>a Aster, who borrows money and is unable to pay it back, with disastrous results.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 8 Tenor, 5 Baritone, 8 Bass, 1 Speak<strong>in</strong>g part; Chorus<br />
full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
1(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 3(B.Cl.) 3(Cbsn.) - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 4Perc. Hp. Cel. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Ross<strong>in</strong>i, Gioacch<strong>in</strong>o (1792-1868)<br />
The Turk <strong>in</strong> Italy<br />
Comic opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
<strong>English</strong> translation by Boris Goldovsky and Sarah Caldwell<br />
Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
Roxburgh, Edw<strong>in</strong> (b. 1937)<br />
2 Soprano, Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass; Chorus<br />
Full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
2 2 2 2 - 2 2 1 0; Timp. Str.<br />
Abelard<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Libretto by Edw<strong>in</strong> and Julie Roxburgh<br />
Publisher: United Music Publishers<br />
In 12th-century France, Peter Abelard’s ideas were way ahead <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir time. Refus<strong>in</strong>g to give <strong>in</strong> to <strong>the</strong><br />
pressure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> church, he was twice convicted <strong>of</strong> heresy. His position was made more difficult by his<br />
love for a novice nun, Heloise. The passionate letters she sent to him dur<strong>in</strong>g a decade <strong>of</strong> separation are<br />
amongst <strong>the</strong> most beautiful literature <strong>in</strong> history. She could not, however, protect Abelard from <strong>the</strong> cruelty<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> church that would eventually destroy him.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
Soprano, 6 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 2 Bass; Chorus, Actors<br />
(Act II: may be selected from members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> chorus)<br />
Full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Picc. 1(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2(B.Cl.) 2(Cbsn.) – 4 2 3 1; 3Perc. Timp. Cel. Hp. Str.<br />
Roy, Klaus George (b. 1924)<br />
Sterl<strong>in</strong>gman, or Generosity Rewarded<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Satiric opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer, adapted and translated from a short story by Arkady Averchenko<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Cast: Soprano, 2 Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />
Dur: 45’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 0 0 0 0; Pno.<br />
Salerni, Paul (b. 1941)<br />
The Life and Love <strong>of</strong> Joe Coogan<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
One-act opera <strong>in</strong> seven scenes<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Libretto by Kate Light, adapted from The Dick Van Dyke Show TV episode by Carl Re<strong>in</strong>er<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Cast doubl<strong>in</strong>g possibilities if presented <strong>in</strong> a s<strong>in</strong>gle even<strong>in</strong>g with Tony Caruso’s F<strong>in</strong>al Broadcast<br />
A moment <strong>of</strong> comic <strong>in</strong>security <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> usually happy marriage <strong>of</strong> TV comedy writer Rob Petrie and his<br />
wife Laura. When Rob learns that <strong>the</strong> tall, good-look<strong>in</strong>g man named Joe Coogan that he has just met<br />
on a public golf course was once <strong>in</strong> love with Laura, court<strong>in</strong>g her by writ<strong>in</strong>g love sonnets, he becomes<br />
uncharacteristically jealous and <strong>in</strong>secure. When Laura <strong>in</strong>vites Joe to d<strong>in</strong>ner, Rob counters by <strong>in</strong>vit<strong>in</strong>g cowriter<br />
Sally Rogers to flirt with Joe. Unbeknownst to Rob, Joe is now a priest! The mix-up leads to a zany<br />
d<strong>in</strong>ner party and a surprise end<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, 1 Mezzo-soprano, 1 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 1 Bass-baritone, 1 Speak<strong>in</strong>g role<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: A.Sax. Tpt. Tbn. 1Perc.(<strong>in</strong>cl. trap set) Pno. 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb.<br />
Tony Caruso’s F<strong>in</strong>al Broadcast<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> ten short scenes<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Libretto by Dana Gioia<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Cast doubl<strong>in</strong>g possibilities if presented <strong>in</strong> a s<strong>in</strong>gle even<strong>in</strong>g with The Life and Love <strong>of</strong> Joe Coogan<br />
A classical music radio station on <strong>the</strong> last night <strong>of</strong> its operations: at midnight <strong>the</strong> station will convert to an<br />
“Easy-Listen<strong>in</strong>g” format. The station’s f<strong>in</strong>al program, “Opera Lover,” is hosted by Antonio Caruso, a failed<br />
tenor who has worked on <strong>the</strong> show for 27 years. The station <strong>in</strong>tern and radio eng<strong>in</strong>eer try to comfort<br />
Tony for his impend<strong>in</strong>g loss. Meanwhile <strong>the</strong> new management celebrates its market plan aimed at <strong>the</strong><br />
drive-time listener. Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al broadcast, Tony remembers his early dreams <strong>of</strong> artistic fame and<br />
success as <strong>the</strong> “second Caruso.” In his desperate state, Tony is visited by three ghosts or visions—his dead<br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r, Maria Callas, and f<strong>in</strong>ally a mysterious woman.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur: 52’<br />
Instr:<br />
Boy Soprano, 5 Soprano, 3 Mezzo-soprano, 1 Tenor, 1 Baritone, 1 Bass-baritone,<br />
1 Speak<strong>in</strong>g role<br />
Fl. Ob.(dbl. Bari.Sax.)* Cl. A.Sax. T.Sax.(dbl.B.Cl.) - 2Tpt. Tbn. B.Tbn.;<br />
Drum Set Perc. Gtr.(Acous. & Elec.) Kbds.(Pno., Synth.) 4Vln. 2Vla. 2Vcl. Cb.<br />
(dbl.Elec.Bass)<br />
[str<strong>in</strong>g sections may be expanded]<br />
[Perc: vibraphone, slapstick, chimes, 3 timpani, tambour<strong>in</strong>e, glockenspiel]<br />
Red. Orch: Reed player(Cl., B.Cl., A.Sax.) Tpt. Tbn. 1Perc.(<strong>in</strong>cl. trap set) Kbds.(Pno., Synth.)<br />
2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb.<br />
Sandow, Gregory (b. 1943)<br />
A Christmas Carol<br />
Libretto by <strong>the</strong> composer after Dickens<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Children’s Opera<br />
A poignant and tuneful adaptation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> classic Dickens tale. For audiences <strong>of</strong> all ages.<br />
Cast: (possibility <strong>of</strong> doubl<strong>in</strong>gs) 3 Sopranos, 3 Mezzo-Sopranos, 7 Tenors, 4 Baritones, 4 Basses,<br />
3 Boy Sopranos, 2 Girl Sopranos, 2 Male speak<strong>in</strong>g roles, 1 Boy speak<strong>in</strong>g role,<br />
“schoolmates” act<strong>in</strong>g roles, mute act<strong>in</strong>gs roles (at least 4 <strong>of</strong> which are children)<br />
Dur: 75’<br />
Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 0 0 0; 1 or 2 Perc.(Chimes & Timpani) 2Vln. 1Vla. 2Vcl. 1Cb.<br />
The Richest Girl <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> World F<strong>in</strong>ds Happ<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
After <strong>the</strong> play by Robert Patrick<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A comedy (<strong>in</strong> pop-Broadway style). The big Star comes to propose to <strong>the</strong> Richest Girl <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> World. She<br />
now has everyth<strong>in</strong>g: beauty, health, and <strong>the</strong> love <strong>of</strong> a man. She declares that her wealth doesn’t matter,<br />
and wants to give all to <strong>the</strong> poor … but wait: <strong>the</strong> poor want to give <strong>the</strong> riches back as a wedd<strong>in</strong>g present!<br />
The moral: <strong>the</strong> richest girl is <strong>the</strong> one who f<strong>in</strong>ds true happ<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano (or Soprano & Mezzo-Soprano), 2 Tenor<br />
Dur: 25’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Scarlatti, Alessandro (1660-1725)<br />
The Triumph <strong>of</strong> Honor<br />
Comedy <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Edited by Carl Zytowski, libretto by F.A. Tullio<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Engaged to one, attracted to ano<strong>the</strong>r; this tangled, rollick<strong>in</strong>g tale <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essed and secret loves <strong>of</strong><br />
its eight characters leads everyone to <strong>the</strong> br<strong>in</strong>k <strong>of</strong> disaster before true love br<strong>in</strong>gs everyone back to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
senses, and <strong>the</strong> four couples are united <strong>in</strong> forgiveness, love, and honor.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
2 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone<br />
Ob. Pno. 2Vln. 1Vla. 1Vcl. 1Cb.<br />
Schuman, William (1910-1992)<br />
A Question <strong>of</strong> Taste<br />
Libretto by J.D. McClatchy, after a story by Roald Dahl<br />
Publisher: Merion Music Inc<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A New York society d<strong>in</strong>ner party, 1910. A fa<strong>the</strong>r is will<strong>in</strong>g to stake <strong>the</strong> hand <strong>of</strong> his daughter <strong>in</strong> a bet<br />
that one <strong>of</strong> his guests, a noted, wealthy oenophile, cannot identify <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>e he is serv<strong>in</strong>g. The daughter<br />
is outraged, but f<strong>in</strong>ally consents to <strong>the</strong> wager, s<strong>in</strong>ce her fa<strong>the</strong>r is confident that <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>e will not be<br />
identified, and <strong>the</strong> oenophile promises half a million dollars will be hers whatever <strong>the</strong> outcome, a sum that<br />
would enable her to marry her boyfriend (also a guest at <strong>the</strong> d<strong>in</strong>ner). Who will w<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> bet?<br />
Cast: Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 1 Female (unsung), Tenor, 2 Baritone<br />
Dur: 50’<br />
Instr: 2(Picc.) 2 2 2 - 2 2 2 0; 2Perc. Cel. Str.<br />
Sessions, Roger (1896-1985)<br />
Montezuma<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> 3 acts<br />
Libretto by G.A. Borgese<br />
Publisher: E.B. Marks<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> memoirs <strong>of</strong> Bernal Diaz del Castillo, a soldier who accompanied Cortez to Mexico, <strong>the</strong><br />
opera tells <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> land<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spaniards <strong>in</strong> Mexico and <strong>the</strong>ir deal<strong>in</strong>gs with <strong>the</strong> Aztecs and <strong>the</strong> emperor,<br />
Montezuma. A classic tale from history <strong>of</strong> trust and betrayal, it ends with <strong>the</strong> death <strong>of</strong> Montezuma at <strong>the</strong><br />
hands <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Aztecs.<br />
Cast: Soprano, 6 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 3 Bass<br />
Dur: 150’<br />
Instr: 3 3 4 3 – 4 4 3 1; Timp. Perc. Pno. Cel. Hp. Str.<br />
The Trial <strong>of</strong> Lucullus<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> 1 act<br />
Libretto from <strong>the</strong> play by Bertolt Brecht, translated by H. R. Hayes<br />
Publisher: E.B. Marks<br />
Upon his death, Lucullus, a Roman general, comes to realize that he is to be tried by <strong>the</strong> underworld for<br />
his military triumphs <strong>in</strong> this tale with a strongly pacifist viewpo<strong>in</strong>t.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Cast: 4 Soprano, 2 Mezzo-Soprano, 1 Contralto, 2 High Baritone, 7 Baritone, 1 Bass-Baritone,<br />
12 Tenor, 3 Bass; Chorus <strong>of</strong> Slaves, Chorus <strong>of</strong> Children, “Three-fold voice”<br />
(Off-stage Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Countertenor)<br />
Dur: 72’<br />
Instr: 2 1 2 1 – 2 2 2 0; Perc. Pno. Str.<br />
Shepard, Thomas Z.<br />
Love <strong>in</strong> Two Countries<br />
Two one-act comic operas to be performed toge<strong>the</strong>r as “Love <strong>in</strong> Two Countries” or separately<br />
(“That Pig <strong>of</strong> a Molette” and “A Question <strong>of</strong> Faith”).<br />
Libretto by Sheldon Harnick<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
An even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> delightfully droll comedy: two one-act operas peppered with unexpected – and hilarious<br />
– twists.<br />
Dur:<br />
A Question <strong>of</strong> Faith<br />
full even<strong>in</strong>g when performed toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Sheldon Harnick<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A Russian couple employ <strong>the</strong> services <strong>of</strong> a miracle worker to br<strong>in</strong>g about a child for <strong>the</strong>ir married<br />
daughter. When it is her unmarried sister who becomes pregnant, <strong>the</strong> situation threatens to careen out <strong>of</strong><br />
control until true love douses <strong>the</strong> situation with a blast <strong>of</strong> reality and w<strong>in</strong>s <strong>the</strong> day <strong>in</strong> a very Russian way.<br />
Cast: Ma<strong>in</strong> roles: Lyric Soprano, Soprano or Light Mezzo-Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Lyric Tenor,<br />
2 Comic Baritone, Baritone Bit Parts: 3 Soprano (can be doubled by ma<strong>in</strong> characters)<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 1(EfCl./BfCl./A) 1(Cbsn.) - 2 0 0 0; Perc. Kbd. Str.<br />
That Pig <strong>of</strong> a Molette<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Sheldon Harnick after a story by Guy de Maupassant<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Poor Molette: successful bus<strong>in</strong>essman and good husband, he is at <strong>the</strong> “dangerous age,” unaware that he<br />
desperately craves romantic adventure. A clumsy misunderstand<strong>in</strong>g leads to his be<strong>in</strong>g branded “that pig<br />
<strong>of</strong> a Molette,” even though his cous<strong>in</strong>, Rivet, is <strong>the</strong> real cad. Years later, <strong>the</strong> characters settle scores, <strong>in</strong> an<br />
oh-so-French way.<br />
Cast: Lyric Soprano, Tenor or High Baritone, Comic Baritone<br />
Vocal Quartet doubl<strong>in</strong>g various roles: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, (Bass-)Baritone<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 1 1 - 2 0 0 0; Perc. Kbd. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Simons, Netty (1923-1994)<br />
The Bellwitch <strong>of</strong> Tennessee<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> four scenes<br />
Libretto by Joan Crowell<br />
Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />
Fact or fiction? In <strong>the</strong> early 1800s, John Bell moved to Adams, Tennessee, where an unfriendly neighbor<br />
accused him <strong>of</strong> cheat<strong>in</strong>g her. On her deathbead, she cursed him and his descendants. From that time<br />
onwards, tales circulated about a poltergeist which dogged <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bell family.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, Tenor, Bass-Baritone, Bass; Chorus<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: 1 0 2 1 - 0 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Vb. Pno. Str.<br />
Smith, Leland (b. 1925)<br />
Santa Claus, A Morality<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> five scenes<br />
Libretto by e.e. cumm<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Surrounded by materialism and <strong>the</strong> lust for knowledge, Santa Claus craves knowledge; but ultimately, he<br />
realizes that knowledge alone without <strong>the</strong> understand<strong>in</strong>g that he once had leads to <strong>the</strong> loss <strong>of</strong> love, and<br />
so he abandons his obsession with knowledge.<br />
Cast: 2 Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 2 Bass-Baritone; Chorus<br />
Dur: 80’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />
Sokol<strong>of</strong>f, Noel (1923-1998)<br />
The Frankl<strong>in</strong>’s Tale<br />
Chamber opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Ted Hart, after Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales”<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A tale <strong>of</strong> true love, where honor is f<strong>in</strong>ally rewarded, although it is sorely tested.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Tenor, 2 Baritone, Small parts (2 Soprano, Contralto)<br />
Dur: 80’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />
The Pardoner’s Tale<br />
Chamber opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Ted Hart, after Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales”<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A tale <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dangers <strong>of</strong> avarice, <strong>in</strong> which three self-<strong>in</strong>dulgent young men each secretly plot to kill <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>in</strong> order to keep <strong>the</strong> greater part <strong>of</strong> a treasure f<strong>in</strong>d. They all succeed.<br />
Cast: 2 Tenor, Baritone, 2 Bass<br />
Dur: 50’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Taylor, Raynor (1747-1825)<br />
Buxom Joan<br />
Burletta <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Thomas Willet, edited and realized by Gregory Sandow<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, 3 Tenor, Bass<br />
Dur: 40’<br />
Instr: 2Ob. Hpscd. Str<strong>in</strong>g Quartet<br />
Thorne, Francis (b. 1922)<br />
Mario and <strong>the</strong> Magician<br />
Libretto by J.D. McClatchy, after <strong>the</strong> story by Thomas Mann<br />
Publisher: Merion Music Inc.<br />
A dark, psychological drama which resonates on many different levels: <strong>the</strong> rise <strong>of</strong> fascism <strong>in</strong> 1930’s<br />
Germany, and <strong>the</strong> tyranny <strong>of</strong> love, with a Mephistopheles-type character and <strong>the</strong> power <strong>of</strong> suggestion. It<br />
leads <strong>the</strong> characters down a path <strong>of</strong> self-exam<strong>in</strong>ation through fantasy, but it f<strong>in</strong>ally crashes back <strong>in</strong>to an<br />
awful reality…<br />
Cast: Mezzo-Soprano, 3 Tenor (1 Lyric), Baritone, Bass-Baritone, 2 Bass (1 <strong>in</strong> Chorus),<br />
2 Children (Soprano); Mixed Chorus <strong>of</strong> adults and children<br />
Dur: 70’<br />
Instr: 1(Picc.) 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 1; 2Perc. Gt.(Acc./Elec.) Kbd.(Pno./Hpscd.) Str.(16 Players)<br />
Vernon, Ashley (1902-1968)<br />
The Barber <strong>of</strong> New York<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Greta Harwig<br />
Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Alto, 3 Tenor, Baritone, 2 Bass; Chorus<br />
Dur: 70’<br />
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
Cupid and Psyche<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act, four scenes<br />
Libretto by Greta Harwig<br />
Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Grand Slam<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: 2 1 2 1 - 2 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Greta Harwig<br />
Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />
Dur: 25’<br />
Instr: 2 1 2 1 - 2 1 0 0; Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
The Triumph <strong>of</strong> Punch<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Greta Harwig<br />
Publisher: Mercury Music Corp.<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Baritone, Bass<br />
Dur: 70’<br />
Instr: 2 1 2 1 - 2 1 0 0; Pno. Hp. Str.<br />
Walden, Stanley (b. 1932)<br />
Dr. Faustus Lights <strong>the</strong> Lights<br />
Opera Libretto by Gertrude Ste<strong>in</strong><br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
The Faust story weaves <strong>in</strong> and out <strong>of</strong> an absurdist plot (<strong>the</strong> text is by Gertrude Ste<strong>in</strong>, after all). To be<br />
enjoyed “<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> moment,” an even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> great <strong>the</strong>atrical enterta<strong>in</strong>ment.<br />
Cast: Sop., Dancer/Sop., 2 pop Mezzo-Sop., Tenor (rapper), pop High Bari., 2 Bari., Bass;<br />
Chorus (made up <strong>of</strong> anyone not featured at <strong>the</strong> moment)<br />
Dur: 95’<br />
Instr: Reeds (1 or more players): Sop.Sax./AltoSax./Ten.Sax./Fl./AltoFl./BfCl./B.Cl. Pno. Cbs. Perc.<br />
Kafka: Letter to My Fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>English</strong> version by <strong>the</strong> composer, based on Kafka’s “Brief an den Vater”<br />
(German version title “Liebster Vater”)<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
(<strong>English</strong>/German)<br />
Kafka’s letter was never read by his fa<strong>the</strong>r, and perhaps was not even <strong>in</strong>tended to be. Through this<br />
specific relationship is expressed <strong>the</strong> complexity <strong>of</strong> many a parent-child relationship, with its expectations<br />
and disappo<strong>in</strong>tments, <strong>in</strong>dividual short-com<strong>in</strong>gs, and <strong>in</strong> spite <strong>of</strong> everyth<strong>in</strong>g, underly<strong>in</strong>g ties.<br />
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Bass, non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g male, non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g boy, dancer<br />
Dur: 90’<br />
Instr: 1 0 2(EfCl./ B.Cl.) 0 - 2 1 1 0; 2Perc. Hp. Str. (2Vln. 2Vla. 2Vcl. 1Cb.)<br />
Weisgall, Hugo (1912-1997)<br />
Athaliah<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two parts<br />
Libretto by Richard Franko Goldman<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Based on Jean Rac<strong>in</strong>e’s tragedy, “Athalie.” The story <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> overthrow <strong>of</strong> Athalia, daughter <strong>of</strong> Ahab and<br />
Jezebel, and usurper queen <strong>of</strong> Judah.<br />
Cast: Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano, Baritone, Tenor, Bass, silent role (child); Chorus<br />
Dur: 105’<br />
Instr: 2(Picc. AltoFl.) 2(E.H.) 2(EfCl. B.Cl.) 2(Cbsn.) - 2 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Es<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Libretto by Charles Kondek<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Es<strong>the</strong>r was made queen by <strong>the</strong> Persian k<strong>in</strong>g Ahasuerus. When <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>g’s chief m<strong>in</strong>ister planned to kill all<br />
<strong>the</strong> Jews <strong>in</strong> an act <strong>of</strong> vengeance aga<strong>in</strong>st his arch-enemy, Es<strong>the</strong>r revealed to <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>g that she was Jewish,<br />
and pleaded for her people. Her triumph was hard-won: Ahasuerus could not revoke <strong>the</strong> exterm<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
edict, but <strong>in</strong>stead, allowed <strong>the</strong> Jews to arm <strong>the</strong>mselves. Their successful defense is commemorated to this<br />
day <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> annual festival <strong>of</strong> Purim.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
The Gardens <strong>of</strong> Adonis<br />
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, Countertenor, 4 Tenor, 2 Baritone,<br />
Bass-Baritone, Bass; Chorus, Children’s chorus.<br />
full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
3(Picc. AltoFl.), 2(E.H.) 2(B.Cl.) 2 - 4 3 2 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> Two Scenes and a Prologue<br />
Libretto by John Olon-Scrymgeour, after “Venus and Adonis” by William Shakespeare<br />
and <strong>the</strong> play <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same name by André Obey<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Venus, accidentally wounded with one <strong>of</strong> Cupid’s arrows, falls <strong>in</strong> love with Adonis, who is not at all<br />
smitten, and is more <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> hunt<strong>in</strong>g. The situation is not without humor, until Death enters <strong>the</strong><br />
picture, and Adonis’ fate is sealed.<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
2 Soprano, Boy Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass<br />
full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
3(Picc. AltoFl.) 2(E.H.) 2(A Cl./B.Cl.) 2 - 2(or4) 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.<br />
Jenny, or The Hundred Nights<br />
One act opera<br />
Libretto by John Hollander, after <strong>the</strong> Noh play “Sotoba Kamachi” by Yukio Mishima,<br />
translated by Donald Keene<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Jenny, a 99-year-old woman, wanders at night <strong>in</strong> a London park. While young lovers are occupied on<br />
<strong>the</strong> park benches, she falls <strong>in</strong>to conversation with a young photographer, remember<strong>in</strong>g her youth and her<br />
loves. The young lovers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> present are confused with ghosts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> past, and <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>es between life and<br />
death become blurred.<br />
Cast: Coloratura Soprano, 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 2 Bass;<br />
Chorus, Dancers<br />
Dur: 70’<br />
Instr: 4 2 4 2 - 2 2 3 1; 3Perc. Hp. Pno. Str. Viol<strong>in</strong>ist & Pianist on stage<br />
N<strong>in</strong>e Rivers from Jordan<br />
Prologue and three acts<br />
Libretto by Denis Johnston<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Musically, dramatically, and symbolically, <strong>the</strong> opera deals with <strong>the</strong> unprecedented moral problems caused<br />
by <strong>the</strong> circumstances <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Second World War. Actual happen<strong>in</strong>gs and imag<strong>in</strong>ary events are juxtaposed.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al analysis, <strong>the</strong> characters face personal responsibility for mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> choice between right and<br />
wrong, and <strong>the</strong> conclusion that, though we are all “dirty,” we are not all damned.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Purgatory<br />
Cast:<br />
Dur:<br />
Instr:<br />
2 Lyric Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass-Baritone, Bass; small parts: 2 Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano,<br />
10 Tenor, 3 Baritone, 5 Bass; Chorus<br />
full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
3 3 3 3 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.<br />
One act opera<br />
Text by W.B. Yeats<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
An Old Man, accompanied by a Young Boy (his teenaged son), returns to <strong>the</strong> ru<strong>in</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> house where,<br />
long ago, <strong>the</strong> Old Man had killed his fa<strong>the</strong>r. While <strong>the</strong> Old Man is re-liv<strong>in</strong>g events with <strong>the</strong> ghosts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
past, <strong>the</strong> son tries to run <strong>of</strong>f with <strong>the</strong> Old Man’s money. The two quarrel, and when <strong>the</strong> Boy threatens <strong>the</strong><br />
Old Man, <strong>the</strong> Old Man kills him <strong>in</strong> an attempt to stop <strong>the</strong> cycle <strong>of</strong> patricide. But <strong>the</strong> ghosts are not laid to<br />
rest, and <strong>the</strong> Old Man is doomed to live with <strong>the</strong> burden <strong>of</strong> his actions.<br />
Cast: Tenor or Baritone (young boy role), Bass<br />
Dur: 35’<br />
Instr: 2 0 2 1 - 1 1 0 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.<br />
Six Characters <strong>in</strong> Search <strong>of</strong> an Author<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three acts<br />
Libretto by Denis Johnston from <strong>the</strong> play by Luigi Pirandello<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
A masterful adaptation <strong>of</strong> Pirandello’s <strong>the</strong>atre play to <strong>the</strong> world <strong>of</strong> opera and s<strong>in</strong>gers. True to <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al<br />
text, <strong>the</strong> story starts <strong>in</strong> a seem<strong>in</strong>gly light-hearted reality, but gradually darkens as it slips <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>atre<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> absurd.<br />
The Stronger<br />
Cast: Dramatic Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, High Lyric Baritone, Dramatic Baritone;<br />
boy & girl (non-s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g), Chorus<br />
Dur: full even<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Instr: 2(Alto, Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2(B.Cl.) 2(Cbsn.) - 2 2 2 1; Timp. Perc. Str. Upright Piano (on stage)<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 441-41002<br />
After <strong>the</strong> play by August Str<strong>in</strong>dberg<br />
Libretto by Richard Hart<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Monodrama<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Estelle meets a friend <strong>in</strong> a bar after shopp<strong>in</strong>g, and as she dr<strong>in</strong>ks, chatters her way <strong>in</strong>to reveal<strong>in</strong>g a darker<br />
side <strong>of</strong> her character. Lisa, <strong>the</strong> friend, rema<strong>in</strong>s silent and lets her run on without comment, but her<br />
enigmatic smile at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> opera perhaps reveals more than words ever could.<br />
The Tenor<br />
Cast: Soprano, mute female part, Waiter, Patrons (optional)<br />
Dur: 25’<br />
Instr: Eb AltoSax.(BfCl./EfCl.) Ten.Sax.(BfCl. B.Cl.), Tpt. 1Vln. 1Vla. 1Vcl. 1Cb. Pno.<br />
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41090<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Karl Shapiro and Ernst Lert, based on “Der Kammersänger” by Frank Wedek<strong>in</strong>d<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Gerardo, a flamboyant dramatic tenor at <strong>the</strong> peak <strong>of</strong> his career, imag<strong>in</strong>es himself to be <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same heroic<br />
fibre <strong>of</strong>f stage as well, which <strong>in</strong>volves him <strong>in</strong> a series <strong>of</strong> entanglements with his many fem<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>e admirers,<br />
produc<strong>in</strong>g tragic results.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
Cast: Dramatic Soprano, Lyric Soprano (sp<strong>in</strong>to), Dramatic Tenor, Tenor (buffo),<br />
Baritone, Bass-Baritone<br />
Dur: 70’<br />
Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 2(EfCl./ B.Cl.) 1 - 2 1 1 0; Perc.(Timp.) Pno. Str.(Viola divisi)<br />
Vocal Score published: 441-41001<br />
Will You Marry Me?<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> one act<br />
Libretto by Charles Kondek<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
“A deliciously paradoxical character study <strong>of</strong> two marriageable schemers… a mart<strong>in</strong>i-dry thirties urban<br />
tone… and rapier musical wit.” [Peter G. Davies, New York Magaz<strong>in</strong>e]<br />
Cast: Soprano, Baritone<br />
Dur: 25’<br />
Instr: Cl./Sop.Sax. Cl./AltoSax. Bsn. Hn. Timp. Pno. Perc. 2Vln. 1Vla. 1Vcl. 1Cb.<br />
Welcher, Dan (b. 1948)<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
A Star Over Fifth Avenue<br />
Two short operas to be performed separately, or toge<strong>the</strong>r as “A Star Over Fifth Avenue”.<br />
“Della’s Gift” is set at <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> early 1900s, and is based on <strong>the</strong> O. Henry story, “The Gift<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Magi.” “Holy Night” is an orig<strong>in</strong>al story by librettist Paul Woodruff, and imag<strong>in</strong>es a story tak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
place <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same apartment 100 years later, at <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 21st century. Both operas deal with<br />
<strong>the</strong>mes <strong>of</strong> love and its trials.<br />
Della’s Gift<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> two acts<br />
Libretto by Paul Woodruff based on “The Gift <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Magi” by O. Henry<br />
Publisher: Elkan-Vogel Inc.<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
New York, 1905. Della and Jim, a poor young couple very much <strong>in</strong> love, each secretly makes a sacrifice <strong>in</strong><br />
order to buy <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r a Christmas present. Their actions are contrasted with those <strong>of</strong> a rich man and his<br />
mistress.<br />
Holy Night<br />
Cast: Lyric Soprano (with coloratura to high C only), 3 Mezzo-Soprano (1 humorous),<br />
Character Tenor, 2 Tenor, Lyric Baritone<br />
Dur: 69’<br />
Instr: 1(Picc.) 1 2 1 - 2 2 1 0; Perc. Pno.(Cel.) Hp. Str.(m<strong>in</strong>. 6 5 4 3 2)<br />
Opera <strong>in</strong> three scenes and an epilogue<br />
Libretto by Paul Woodruff<br />
Publisher: Elkan-Vogel Inc.<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
New York, 2005. A young couple, liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> now gentrified Manhattan apartment formerly occupied<br />
by Della and Jim <strong>in</strong> “Della’s Gift”, experience obstacles <strong>of</strong> misunderstand<strong>in</strong>g and racial prejudice. These<br />
universal issues go beyond <strong>the</strong> discrim<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>the</strong>y already face as a gay couple.<br />
Cast: Lyric Soprano, 1 or 2 “rich female voice” (doubl<strong>in</strong>g possible),<br />
Lyric Tenor, Lyric Baritone, Bass-Baritone<br />
Dur: 70’<br />
Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 2 2 1 0; Perc. Hp. Pno./Cel. Str.<br />
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE OPERAS<br />
The Yellow Wallpaper<br />
Chamber Opera<br />
Libretto by Dan Welcher, based on <strong>the</strong> short story by Charlotte Perk<strong>in</strong>s Gilman<br />
Publisher: Elkan-Vogel Inc.<br />
Opera without chorus<br />
What lies beyond <strong>the</strong> yellow wallpaper? A woman conf<strong>in</strong>ed to her bedroom by her well-mean<strong>in</strong>g yet<br />
misguided husband struggles with mo<strong>the</strong>rhood, imprisonment, isolation and madness.<br />
Yeamans, L.E.<br />
Cast: Mezzo-soprano or Dramatic Soprano, <strong>of</strong>f-stage Soprano<br />
Dur: 85’<br />
Instr: 1(d.Picc.) 1(d.E.H.) 1 1 – 1 1 0 0; 1Perc. Pno./Syn. Hp. Str.(m<strong>in</strong>.1 1 1 1 1; pref. 4 4 3 2 1)<br />
Little Red Rid<strong>in</strong>g Hood<br />
Operetta for Children <strong>in</strong> four scenes<br />
Words and Music by L.E. Yeamans<br />
Publisher: <strong>Theodore</strong> <strong>Presser</strong> <strong>Company</strong><br />
Little Red Rid<strong>in</strong>g Hood’s <strong>in</strong>nocence protects her from <strong>the</strong> designs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Wolf, but along <strong>the</strong> way, she<br />
learns Not To Trust Strangers.<br />
Cast: 2 Soprano, Tenor, Baritone<br />
Dur: 60’<br />
Instr: Piano<br />
Children’s Opera<br />
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